National Waiters Day, the event led by The Springboard Charity and sponsored by Bunzl, returns on 20th October 2016 and aims to showcase the dedication and hard work of front of house roles in an industry that currently employs 2.9 million people in the UK.
London will see waiters from across the capital racing through Hyde Park, while races are also taking place across the UK, with Wivenhoe House (Colchester), Tameside College (Manchester), Linthwaite House (Cumbria) and The Grand (Eastbourne) having currently taken up the challenge and chosen to host their own races.
Fred Sirieix, general manager at Galvin at Windows, said: “I am very proud and excited to lead the celebrations for National Waiters Day again on 20th October - it’s a truly wonderful day to celebrate the ocean of career opportunities within the hospitality industry, as well as the hard work of all front of house professionals. There has never been a more exciting time to both join and succeed in this very special industry. If you can dream it, you can do it.”
In addition to the race, visitors to London’s Hyde Park will be able to take part in a range of activities which showcase hospitality employers and the skills needed to succeed in front of house roles. Hospitality businesses are also opening their doors, with careers talks, taster days and social media campaigns promoting front of house careers.
National Waiters Day forms part of Front of House Festival, through which hospitality front of house roles are being promoted from 17th – 21st October 2016. The aim is to change perceptions regarding front of house roles and highlight the rewarding career progression routes that hospitality offers. Hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses are invited to offer activities, demonstrations and challenges for Springboard’s Front of House Festival 2016.
Anne Pierce, Springboard’s CEO, said: “The Front of House Festival has been created to increase awareness of the range of roles available in front of house. It’s the ideal opportunity for jobseekers and businesses alike, with activities ranging from skills challenges to talks, and of course the Waiters Day Race!”
The Springboard Charity helps young people achieve their potential, nurtures unemployed adults into work and helps alleviate poverty by supporting people into employment within the UK hospitality, leisure and tourism industry.
Entry to the race costs a £10 registration fee. The funds raised will help Springboard’s Food & Beverage (FAB) programme in schools, which are designed to encourage students to explore and consider careers in front of house, whilst aligning with the curriculum.