Olney Pancake Race 2024

Previous image Next image

11 of 14

Previous image Next image

More Galleries

Gillen karter

Sam Thompson

fly tipping

Olney Pancake Race 2024

Did you know Olney is the home of the world famous pancake race?

over 550 years ago, the story has it that a local townswoman ran down the Olney High Street holding a frying pan, fearing that she would be late for church. Little did she know, centuries later her late comings would result in an annual world-famous pancake race.

Nobody really knows how the race originated, however, the story of the woman running hurriedly to confess her sins at the sound of the shriving bell seems to overtake the rest.

Shrove Tuesday has always been of religious significance to the townsfolk of Olney. It is the day before Lent, which is the start of the traditional fast. Traditionally, people were to give up dairy products for Lent, meaning the products were put into a pancake mix. For the Olney women, it was also important to attend the Shriving service before the start of Lent, where they could confess their sins ahead of Ash Wednesday.

In 1445, the first pancake race is said to have taken place in Olney. The women of the town grabbed their apron and hat, running down the high street to the church door. Centuries later, today, the women of Olney are still picking up their frying pans to take part in the timed race.

Each year, people travel from far and wide to witness the world-famous event. The race was even featured in a book about 500 things to witness across the globe!

Local News

Tell us your story
MKFM always wants to hear your stories about your city.
Mayor Visits RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch
The RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks branch plays a crucial role in helping both animals and people in our community
Milton Keynes park prepares for anniversary weekend
Revellers will ‘go back to the 60s’ in celebration.
Police still ‘in contact’ with Milton Keynes lockdown school
Boy arrested following class-time incident.
Two arrested in routine Milton Keynes police patrol
Anti-social behaviour patrol leads officers to law breakers.
Summer holidays in Milton Keynes means free family fun!
With school holidays looming on the horizon, there’s plenty happening across the city’s parks this summer to keep everyone entertained – come rain or shine!
MKFM MINIs hit the roads around Milton Keynes
Newly livered cars unveiled at business meeting.
Tips for Milton Keynes pet owners during the heatwave
Heatwave pet care myths: RSPCA pet experts debunk ten common misconceptions RSPCA sets record on ten common pet care confusions.
Special year for Milton Keynes charity
Moo-mentous turnout for Willen Hospice Midnight Moo walk!
Young Milton Keynes kart driver set to win championship
10-year old who survived heart surgery, on brink of historic title victory.
Milton Keynes roadworks to avoid this week
Pothole, surface and road safety improvements, with diversions across the city.
Heatwave continues for Milton Keynes this week
Temperatures could hit 35 degrees by midweek.