Britain's What's On Event Guide
Olney Pancake Race 2026
The historic Olney Pancake Race takes place on Shrove Tuesday, 17 February 2026 and follows a great tradition; the race is reputed to have taken place since 1445 and has certainly run every year since 1948, except for 2021.
The focus will be in the Market Place, with a special ticketed pancake breakfast, prepared by Ben Francis, Head Chef of the Cherry Tree Pub & Restaurant. This will be followed by a cookery demonstration. You can meet Fred, Homepride’s bowler-hat-wearing Chief Flour Grader, listen to the Scottish pipers and the fairground organ, watch Great Gappo in action, and meet the local Fire Station crew. Why not join us in the Marquee after the start of the race at 12.00pm for some half-term fun? You can ‘Splat the Rat’, decorate a pancake, and do some colouring.
If you’re feeling hungry, then get yourself a pancake in the Market Place or the Church Hall. There also a chance to visit local stalls for some shopping in the Market Place, the Marquee and the Church Hall.
The children’s races will take place at 10.00 and the main race at 11.55am. All the runners join visitors in a Shriving Service which is held in the Church of St Peter and St Paul immediately after the race. The service will include some of the famous Olney Hymns, written by Rev. John Newton. And there’s a fantastic raffle, supported by many local businesses – first prize is a Relaxing Two Night Break with Treatment and Dining for Two at the 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza, Marlow. Tickets will be on sale in the Marquee.
And there’s a fantastic raffle, supported by many local businesses – first prize is a Relaxing Two Night Break with Treatment and Dining for Two at the 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza, Marlow. Tickets will be on sale in the Marquee.
For more details of what’s happening when, and all the amazing raffle prizes, go to olneypancakerace.org & like the Race on FB @olneypancakerace, or Insta @theolneypancakerace
The focus will be in the Market Place, with a special ticketed pancake breakfast, prepared by Ben Francis, Head Chef of the Cherry Tree Pub & Restaurant. This will be followed by a cookery demonstration. You can meet Fred, Homepride’s bowler-hat-wearing Chief Flour Grader, listen to the Scottish pipers and the fairground organ, watch Great Gappo in action, and meet the local Fire Station crew. Why not join us in the Marquee after the start of the race at 12.00pm for some half-term fun? You can ‘Splat the Rat’, decorate a pancake, and do some colouring.
If you’re feeling hungry, then get yourself a pancake in the Market Place or the Church Hall. There also a chance to visit local stalls for some shopping in the Market Place, the Marquee and the Church Hall.
The children’s races will take place at 10.00 and the main race at 11.55am. All the runners join visitors in a Shriving Service which is held in the Church of St Peter and St Paul immediately after the race. The service will include some of the famous Olney Hymns, written by Rev. John Newton. And there’s a fantastic raffle, supported by many local businesses – first prize is a Relaxing Two Night Break with Treatment and Dining for Two at the 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza, Marlow. Tickets will be on sale in the Marquee.
And there’s a fantastic raffle, supported by many local businesses – first prize is a Relaxing Two Night Break with Treatment and Dining for Two at the 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza, Marlow. Tickets will be on sale in the Marquee.
For more details of what’s happening when, and all the amazing raffle prizes, go to olneypancakerace.org & like the Race on FB @olneypancakerace, or Insta @theolneypancakerace
Tuesday 17 February
Market Place
Olney Buckinghamshire MK46 4AJ
The children’s races will take place at 10.00 and the main race goes off at 11.55am.Why not join us in the Marquee after the start of the race at 12.00pm for some half-term fun? You can ‘Splat the Rat’, decorate a pancake, and do some colouring. Entry FREE
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