ELY Cathedral choristers kept up a Shrove Tuesday tradition when they enjoyed their annual pancake race.
The cathedral boasts one of the longest naves of any cathedral in Britain and the choristers’ race has been held for as long as anyone can remember.
Richard Whymark, Head of King’s Ely Junior where the choristers, aged eight to 13, are all pupils, said: “The race is always great fun and they thoroughly enjoy it.”
The weeks of Lent are among the busiest periods of the year for the boys as they rehearse the music they will be singing during the Easter festival.
They have just returned from a hugely successful tour of Norway.
*Traditionally pancakes were made as a way of using up eggs and milk before the Lent fast. The first pancake race is said to have been held at Olney in Buckinghamshire. According to tradition, in 1445 a woman of Olney heard the shriving bell while she was making pancakes and ran to the church in her apron, still clutching her frying pan.
Ready, steady, flip! Picture Geoff Robinson.
Choristers get ready to race by the west door of Ely Cathedral. Picture: Geoff Robinson.