Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day is the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foodstuffs such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. The liturgical fasting emphasized eating plainer food and refraining from food that would give pleasure: In many cultures, this means no meat, dairy, or eggs.

Pancake racing events also take place around the UK see the traditional Ripon Pancake race below

Basic pancake batter
Enough for 8 pancakes
1 large egg or 1 egg and one yolk
½ pint/280ml milk
4oz/110g plain flour (4 heaped dessertspoons)
1 tbsp melted butter
By hand: sift the flour into a bowl and make a well in the middle. Break in the egg (and yolk, if using) and add a pinch of salt and a splash of the milk. Whisk the egg, gradually incorporating the flour, to make a smooth cream. Whisk in the rest of the milk and the melted butter.
With a blender: put all the ingredients in a blender jug with a pinch of salt. Whizz until smooth.