It was frying pans at the ready in Broadgate yesterday for the city centre’s first pancake flipping race.
Armed with batter and maple syrup, competitors battled it out with speed, strategy and skill through a tricky obstacle course around the square.
The event was organised by Belgrade Theatre to raise money for its Give the Gift of Theatre Campaign.
Event organiser and development director at the theatre David Jane said: “Today is a bit of fun. There was not much else is going on for Pancake Day so we thought why not make the most of the opportunity and have some fun in the middle of town where everybody can see us.
“Our charity is all about bringing happiness to those that need it most, we focus on under-privileged children and their families and aim to give them a bit of relief through theatre.
“We focus on making a positive impact on the community.
“At the Belgrade Theatre we try and give something back and create good memories with all that we do.
“We’ve had a great turnout today, we’ve got representatives from companies ranging from Premier Inn to Free Radio.”
The teams gathered in Broadgate Square as the competition heated up yesterday lunchtime.
Competitors were taking the challenge seriously with one team member borrowing her mum’s trainers to make sure she could take part.
Starbucks employee Chris Reynolds, 21, who was running with the Free Radio team, said: “I didn’t really know much about the theatre’s campaign before today.
“I thought this race would be a fun way to introduce some competition between friends and so I entered it. Practising by making pancakes this morning has really helped. I’ve also heard that there are some prizes up for grabs!”
Prizes included free rooms at the Ramada Hotel, all-expenses paid dinners, free show tickets for the Belgrade Theatre and even a free tax consultancy.
With the event in full swing, crowds of passers-by gathered to cheer on the participants - or try and discourage the leaders.
So far the Belgrade’s Give The Gift Of Theatre Campaign has raised an estimated £2,200.
Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2013 11:39 pm