Bristol Waiters’ Race
The inaugural Bristol Waiters' Race is a brand new charity event taking place during this year's Bristol Harbour Festival.
Date
19 July 2026
Sabrina Shutter
Senior Events Project Manager
On Sunday 19 July 2026, business, students, and residents from across the city are invited to take part in the Bristol Waiters’ Race.
Taking place within the Bristol Harbour Festival Family Zone in Queen Square, competitors will race against the clock while balancing trays loaded with iconic Bristol favourites, including cider, coffee and cheddar cheese. Expect plenty of laughs, a little chaos and cheering from the crowds.
Teams will take part in a series of relay-style challenges designed to test speed, teamwork and tray-carrying skills. The goal is simple: get your tray safely across the finish line faster than anyone else.
Organised by the Bristol Hoteliers Association in partnership with Bristol BID, the event will bring together teams from across Bristol for fun, friendly competition and fundraising in support of The Grand Appeal.
Enter your Bristol Waiters' Race team
Whether you’re a waiter, bartender, retailer, accountant, solicitor, office worker, or student, this is a great opportunity to represent your business, connect with others, and support a fantastic local cause.
Ready, steady, serve!
Event Details
The race will take place at 2pm on Sunday 19th July 2026 in Queen Square, Bristol.
All proceeds from team entry fees will be donated to The Grand Appeal, the official Bristol Children’s Hospital charity, helping support sick children and their families across the South West.
Team Requirements
Each team requires a minimum of 4 people.
Only one team per business may be entered.
There will be a £50 (per team) entry fee which will be donated towards the Bristol Hoteliers Assoication partner charity – The Grand Appeal. Please make your donation before the race using the BHA Just Giving page and make sure you use your business or team name reference when making your donation.
Race Information
The event will take place outdoors and on a cobbled street.
Teams will take part in a series of relay-style challenges designed to test speed, teamwork and tray-carrying skills. There will be penalties for those who cheat!
All of your team members will be required to sign a waiver before taking place in the race.
Dress to Impress
All participants will receive a branded apron, but we encourage teams to get creative. Fancy dress, themed uniforms and imaginative costumes are all welcome, with a prize awarded for the Best Dressed Team.
Register Your Team
Places are limited. Complete the application form to register your team by Friday 10 July, and we will send you full event information ahead of race day.
Photography: Jack Stoneman