Guildford Pancake Races 2027

Why Pancake Racing

Shrove Tuesday, the final day before Lent in the Christian calendar, has become synonymous with pancakes. It signals the last hurrah before the time of the year when meat, eggs, fish, fats and milk were traditionally forbidden. Shrove Tuesday was the last opportunity before Lent to use up these foods, which is where the tradition of making pancakes or fritters using leftover eggs, butter and fat was born.

It’s widely believed that the tradition began in the 15th century, when a local woman rushed into church at the sound of the shriving bell (the cue for the faithful to present themselves for confession before the start of Lent) still clutching her frying pan and pancake.

Join us in Guildford High Street
9th February 2027 11:00am
Whilst keeping the tradition alive
next year’s event is about having
FUN.

Our History

21 years ago, on Tuesday 8th February 2005, the Charlotteville Jubilee Trust (CJT) hosted their first pancake races in Guildford High Street. The Trust were in the process of saving a Grade II listed Vagrants and Casuals Ward from inappropriate development. The proposal was to provide a community centre in the building, which is known as the Spike, as well as a heritage experience which would tell the story of how the poor were treated under the Victorian Poor Laws. To remind people that poverty and homelessness were not a thing of the past, the Trust started the Great Guildford Pancake Races to raise money for charities that look after those less well-off.

In 2026 CJT asked Rotary in Guildford if they would carry on the Pancake Race tradition, knowing that Rotary in Guildford also raised money for local charities that helped those who found life difficult and challenging. For 2027, the races will highlight Guildford Charities, Oakleaf and the Samson Centre, together with Rotary Charities that support local charities within the local community.

Help us keep the tradition alive !

KEEP THE TRADITION ALIVE