Pancake races in Beaulieu and Brockenhurst returned to mark Shrove Tuesday

CROWDS gathered in Beaulieu and Brockenhurst to watch competitors battle it out in the traditional pancake races.

In Beaulieu the Shrove Tuesday event was held in the high street for the first time in three years due to the pandemic and then poor weather in 2022.

The event was opened by Robin Phillips, director of the Beaulieu Warblers Choir. Crowds included children, staff, villagers and shopkeepers as well as Mary Montagu-Scott, sister of Lord Montagu.

There were children's races and adult obstacle races, with teams from the Countryside Education Trust, the Master Builders Hotel, the Montagu Arms Hotel and parents of Beaulieu Village Primary School.

Parents also took part in the Great Beaulieu Pancake Tossing Competition before pancakes were served in the village hall by the Friends of Beaulieu School.

Head teacher Katherine Jones said: "It was wonderful for our children to be part of this very special village event again. They loved racing each other and especially enjoyed cheering the adults on."

In Brockenhurst crowds gathered in Brookley Road to watch races including categories for preschool children, school pupils, men, women and relay teams.

The event is organised by Brockenhurst Parish Council's events committee and sponsored by the Friends of Brockenhurst, which provided gold, silver and bronze medals for the winners.

Speaking after the event a spokesperson for the Friends of Brockenhurst said: "Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Brockenhurst pancake races – it was a fantastic turnout.

"Well done once again to Balmer Lawn Hotel for winning the relay."

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