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Ahead of Shrove Tuesday, Winchester Cathedral has joined up with Winchester Rotary to organise an online pancake day event, hosted on the Winchester Rotary Facebook page. In previous years, the Great Winchester Pancake Race has taken place in the Cathedral Close but due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the event will be suitably marked online instead.

Running until the 16th February, the online event will be looking for people to get creative with their videos, from the most flips in 15 seconds to the most unusual place or the best fancy dress. To enter, videos will need to be uploaded as a post with a short description to the Winchester Rotary Facebook page – Winchester Rotary UK. The videos will appear in the “Community” section and as many as possible will be shared across the main Facebook page. There will also be the chance to win a prize for the most imaginative pancake video.

There is an option to donate, and all of the proceeds raised will be given to this year’s charities, Trinity Winchester and Winchester Churches Nightshelter. Both charities address the effects of homelessness and vulnerability through specialist, practical and emotional support. Any donations will help these charities to support individuals to change their situation and aspire towards positive fulfilling futures.

The Dean of Winchester, the Very Revd Catherine Ogle said “It’s a pleasure to work with Winchester Rotary once again, and this online event is proof that even a pandemic can’t stop us having a good time on Shrove Tuesday, whilst raising money for these important charities. I’m hopeful that 2022 will see the Great Winchester Pancake Race return”.

Winchester Rotary President, Richard Spalding said: “The annual Pancake Day Race at the Cathedral is a great community event.  Sadly, circumstances prevent it this year – but as President of Winchester Rotary I’m delighted that this online event will allow us to celebrate Shrove Tuesday in a fun way and continue our partnership with the Cathedral”.

Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is a traditional feast day which precedes the 40-day fasting period of Lent that lasts until Easter.

Picture taken at the 2020 Great Winchester Pancake Race