On your marks...! Waiters and front of house professionals will get ready to dash through Hyde Park this October as the annual National Waiters Day Race returns.
The event will take place on Thursday October 20, and - led by The Springboard Charity - aims to showcase the dedication and hard work of waiters in an industry that currently employs 2.9 million people in the UK.
This year's event will include a very familiar face, as First Dates' best-loved presenter and maître d Fred Sirieix gets ready to take part in the activities.
As well as the famous race, visitors to Hyde Park on the day will be able to take part in activities which showcase hospitality employers and their skills.
See Fred in action here, helping Made in Chelsea's Jess Woodley find love.
Mr Sirieix, who is also general manager of Galvin at Windows in Mayfair, said: "I am very proud and excited to be involved with the celebrations for National Waiters Day again on October 20.
"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."
National Waiters Day forms part of Front of House Festival, which aims to promote hospitality and front of house roles. The week of events will run from Monday October 17 to Friday October 21.
Anne Pierce, CEO of The Springboard Charity, said: "The Front of House Festival has been devised 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!"
Entry to the race costs £10. The funds raised will help The Springboard Charity's Food and Beverage programme in schools, which is designed to encourage students to explore and consider careers in hospitality.
For more information, or to sign up to the race, head to the National Waiters Day website.
