The annual Pancake Day races in Lowestoft, organized by Lowestoft Vision, took place on Shrove Tuesday, attracting more companies and mascots than ever before. Nine local businesses and organizations competed this year, and seven mascots also joined the fray, armed with frying pans and ready to battle it out in the town center.
Lowestoft Vision, the Business Improvement District for Lowestoft, managed by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, praised the event's success, with excited onlookers cheering the teams on along London Road North. The mascot races were a particular highlight, with last year's champion, Gerard the Giraffe from Citrus Shredding, progressing through the first heat to reach the final round. Joining him were the Be Active Bee and the Empower Mouse, who were fundraising for Access Community Trust. In a surprise victory, the Empower Mouse emerged as the winner of the 2023 race, beating out stiff competition from its rivals.
The main event involved nine teams racing over a specially-designed course, with each team consisting of three competitors who raced against each other while flipping pancakes. The competition was divided into four heats and two semi-finals, with NR Health and Fitness beating The Misfits from B&M to progress to the final. In the other semi-final, first-time entrants Lowestoft Town Council narrowly defeated Move it & Flip it Right from Move it & Store It Right to secure their place in the championship round.
The final was a close affair, with the team from NR Health & Fitness Club emerging as the champions. The trio of Maddy Salmon, Fiona Campbell, and club manager Dan Andrews successfully flipped their pancake 54 times without dropping it once, securing victory and bragging rights for the year. Overall, the event was a huge success, showcasing the community spirit of Lowestoft and providing a fun and engaging activity for locals and visitors alike.
Lowestoft Vision chairman Danny Steel said: "It's lovely to see many people watching and two new winners crowned."
