The annual event, organised by the Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels, saw children, local businesses, community groups and members of the clergy, including the Dean of Ripon Cathedral, the Very Reverend John Dobson, take part in the centuries-old Shrove Tuesday tradition.
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Members of the public line the street as Dean of Ripon Cathedral, The Very Reverend John Dobson (centre), cathedral clergy and staff take part in the annual Pancake Races outside Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday February 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)
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Members of the public line the street as Dean of Ripon Cathedral, The Very Reverend John Dobson (centre), cathedral clergy and staff take part in the annual Pancake Races outside Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday February 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)
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Members of the public line the street as Dean of Ripon Cathedral, The Very Reverend John Dobson (centre), cathedral clergy and staff take part in the annual Pancake Races outside Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday February 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)
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Members of the public line the street as Dean of Ripon Cathedral, The Very Reverend John Dobson (third right), cathedral clergy and staff take part in the annual Pancake Races outside Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday February 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)
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Members of the public line the street as Dean of Ripon Cathedral, The Very Reverend John Dobson (left), cathedral clergy and staff take part in the annual Pancake Races outside Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday February 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)
Proceedings got underway at 11am as the Lenten bell rang out across the city, signalling the start of an hour of high-spirited racing.
Teams of up to four signed up on the day to compete for prizes, certificates and the coveted Golden Frying Pan trophy, awarded to the overall winner.
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Members of the public line the street as Dean of Ripon Cathedral, The Very Reverend John Dobson (centre), cathedral clergy and staff take part in the annual Pancake Races outside Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday February 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)
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Members of the public line the street as Dean of Ripon Cathedral, The Very Reverend John Dobson (centre), cathedral clergy and staff take part in the annual Pancake Races outside Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday February 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)
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Members of the public line the street as Dean of Ripon Cathedral, The Very Reverend John Dobson (centre), cathedral clergy and staff take part in the annual Pancake Races outside Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday February 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)
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Members of the public line the street as Dean of Ripon Cathedral, The Very Reverend John Dobson (centre), cathedral clergy and staff take part in the annual Pancake Races outside Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday February 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)
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Members of the public line the street as Dean of Ripon Cathedral, The Very Reverend John Dobson (centre), cathedral clergy and staff take part in the annual Pancake Races outside Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday February 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)
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Members of the public line the street as Ripon Cathedral clergy and staff take part in the annual Pancake Races outside Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday February 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)
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Members of the public line the street as Dean of Ripon Cathedral, The Very Reverend John Dobson (left), cathedral clergy and staff take part in the annual Pancake Races outside Ripon Cathedral, North Yorkshire. Picture date: Tuesday February 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)
New for this year, racers were required to stop at three marked points along the course to complete a pancake flip before dashing on towards the finish line – adding an extra layer of challenge and entertainment for spectators.
Families also enjoyed a Pancake Day Activity Morning inside the cathedral from 10am, with pancake decorating, crafts and the chance to cheer on the racers before heading back indoors for more festivities.
Free to attend and open to all, the Ripon Pancake Races once again proved a recipe for community spirit, laughter and a little light-hearted competition in the heart of the city.
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