Pancakes, Poulters, and a Very Loud Starting Gun

On a crisp Shrove Tuesday morning, members of the WCIT joined fellow liverypeople from across the City for the 22nd Inter-Livery Pancake Race Day, one of the more cheerfully eccentric fixtures in the livery calendar, and all the better for it. Hosted with customary flair by the Worshipful Company of Poulters, this much-loved annual event brought together competitors, spectators, and no small number of novelty costumes in a spirit of friendly rivalry, civic pride, and charitable purpose.

From the outset, the atmosphere was one of genuine camaraderie. The public lining Guildhall Yard were treated to close racing, enthusiastic pancake-tossing, and a dazzling array of novelty attire. The creativity and commitment of the costumed entrants drew warm applause throughout, with imaginative interpretations and impeccable style very much in evidence. The WCIT team was delighted to take part in the tradition, fielding its own novelty entrant and embracing the good-humoured competition that defines the day, delivering in some competitive races! Those passing through the Yard were rewarded with the full spectacle of Livery Companies in friendly but determined contest, creating an atmosphere that was warm, collegiate and gently absurd in the most dignified way possible.

Proceedings began in earnest with the official start to each race, delivered with due ceremony by the Company of Gunmakers. For the uninitiated, the report of the starting ‘gun’ proved something of a surprise, adding a note of drama to the morning and ensuring that no competitor lingered overly long at the line. Indeed, some pancakes were very much in the air before competitors had fully composed themselves.

Beyond the merriment, the event raises vital funds for the Lord Mayor’s Charities and the Master Poulter’s Pelican Trust, a reminder that behind the fun lies genuine generosity. Those who have not yet made this a fixture in their diary may wish to do so next year.

Freeman Hylton Stewart