Reading Pancake Race 2026: £8,200 raised to support homelessness

Sunshine, sizzling pancakes and fancy dress filled Broad Street as Launchpad’s 29th annual Reading Pancake Race raised £8,200 to support people facing homelessness — with one team flipping their way to victory.

Broad Street was flipping fantastic this Shrove Tuesday 2026 as Reading’s much-loved Pancake Race returned, bringing sunshine, standout costumes and a sizzling £8,200 fundraising total.

Now in its 29th year, the annual event organised by Launchpad saw 21 teams from local businesses and community groups battle it out for the coveted frying pan trophy – all while raising vital funds to support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Reading.

Crowds lined the town centre street to cheer on colleagues, friends and family as teams raced in a series of knock-out heats, flipping pancakes as they sprinted.

The grand finale drew plenty of excitement, with long-time Launchpad supporter Andy Briggs keeping energy levels high as compère.

The Mayor of Reading, Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles, presented the prizes to this year’s winners.

And the winners are…

Taking the 2026 crown were Air IT, whose Scooby Doo–inspired fancy dress helped secure them the title of Launchpad’s 29th champions. Alongside the iconic frying pan trophy, they won a cocktail masterclass for four at The Roseate Reading.

Second place went to Rowberry Morris, who received drinks and a day pass at Novotel Reading Centre, while Evoke Transport came third, winning afternoon tea courtesy of Crumbs.

There were plenty of additional accolades handed out on the day, too:

Top fundraisers include Abbey School, raising an impressive £874 and winning afternoon tea at Vino Vita, with second-best fundraisers, Davis Tate, winning pizza and beer from Zero Degrees Brewery.

Field Seymour Parkes won best fancy dress and were awarded a £60 voucher from Honest Burger for their Charlie and the Chocolate Factory–inspired costumes.

Evoke Transport were highly commended, scooping a £50 voucher for The Plough Shiplake thanks to their bananas-and-eggs outfits.

And best team spirit went to Field Seymour Parkes, winning cinema tickets to The Biscuit Factory.

Fiona Keyte, fundraising manager at Launchpad, said the atmosphere was better than ever.

“The Pancake Race never fails to be fantastic – especially as we managed to have a rain-free event! The costumes, laughter, crowds and community spirit were incredible this year.

We’re so grateful to the hundreds of supporters who lined the street, the generous local businesses who donated prizes, and our wonderful volunteers. This fun-filled event has a serious purpose: to raise funds and awareness for those in our community who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.”

The £8,200 raised — and counting — will support Launchpad’s work providing advice, accommodation and tailored support to people facing housing crises in Reading.

Founded in 1979, the charity helped more than 1,800 people in housing crisis last year alone, including rough sleepers, sofa surfers and those facing eviction.

For more information about Launchpad or to donate, visit Launchpad Reading’s website.

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