Hoteliers are helping to serve up some fun – and fund-raising – at the forthcoming Bristol Harbour Festival thanks to a new event which is now inviting teams to enter.
The Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA) has joined forces with Bristol BID to host the inaugural Bristol Waiters’ Race 2026, which will take place on Sunday 19 July in the city’s Queen Square.
This forms part of the Family Zone of the Bristol Harbour Festival, which itself runs between July 17 and 19.
Competitors will race against the clock while balancing trays loaded with iconic delicacies from in and around Bristol, such as cider, coffee and cheddar cheese. Teams – comprising of a minimum of four people – will take part in relay-style challenges which will test speed, team-work and, of course, tray carrying and balancing skills. All proceeds from the team entry fees will be donated to The Grand Appeal, the official Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, and the chosen charity this year of the BHA.
Ahad Vahabzadeh, from the BHA, said: “The aim of the event is simple, to get your tray safely across the finish line faster than anyone else, while supporting a very worthy cause in the process. We are expecting plenty of laughs and, I suspect, at least a little chaos, not to mention the likelihood of a few spillages!”
Everyone taking part will receive a branded apron, but teams are being encouraged to get creative, with fancy dress, themed uniforms and imaginative costumes, with a prize available for the best dressed team. The entry fee is £50 per team (with a minimum of four participants per team).
Ahad added: “We welcome participants from all backgrounds and sectors. Of course, we hope for a strong contingent from the city’s hospitality sector, but anyone is invited to take part, whether you’re a waiter, bartender, retailer, accountant, lawyer, office worker, student – entry is open to anyone and everyone.”
Places are limited, and only one team per business is allowed. To find out more, and to register your team, visit: https://www.bristolbid.co.uk/events/bristol-waiters-race-2026/
Feature Image credit: Paul Box
