Pancake race returns – bigger and better than ever

Crowds flocked to Macclesfield town centre today as the annual pancake day race for East Cheshire NHS Trust’s ECHO charity made a welcome comeback for the first time in three years.

Granada Reports’ funny man Paul Crone was looking forward to filming the return of the pancake day race and couldn’t resist the chance to compere.

17 teams competed in a relay race up and down a short course between the Town Hall and Mill Street while flipping a pancake in a frying pan.

Darren Antrobus from local radio station Silk FM was on hand to keep crowds entertained before, during and after the race.

The winning team was Ciaran, Jack, Alex and Ollie from Macclesfield-based Embrace Design Agency who said, “We’re a very competitive team and saw this as a good race to start off our pancake season! It was seriously good fun and we really enjoyed being part of it. We’ll be back next year to retain the title!”

The race has been taking part for decades and has gone from strength to strength despite an enforced break due to COVID-19 as teams competing give it their all in sometimes very challenging weather conditions.

Paul said: “I was delighted to compare the race – it was a terrific atmosphere – we all need a fun day out like this! We had a great laugh and a few funny moments which will be screened on TV tonight – if you miss it make sure you view it online!”

There were lots of prizes up for offer, including an award for best fancy dress which was won by Macclesfield-based not for profit organisation, Reach Out and Recover, who looked fantastic in their Wizard of Oz costumes.

The Mayor of Macclesfield, Councillor Fiona Wilson was also among the many people who attended the event, she said, “It was fantastic to see such a great turn out of people participating to raise funds for such an important charity. I have participated as a runner in previous years, and I’m delighted to be here as Mayor. Thank you to everyone who organised such a brilliant event.”

Money raised by ECHO helps support East Cheshire NHS Trust go the extra mile in providing funding for enhanced facilities, state-of-the-art medical equipment and all the added extras that make people’s experience at Macclesfield District General Hospital, Knutsford Community Hospital, Congleton War Memorial Hospital and within our community services the best it can be.