The event will showcase the excellence, dedication, hard work and discipline of 2.5 million people working in the UK’s hospitality industry, and aims to inspire people about the range of dynamic careers the industry has to offer.

A wide range of venues will host events for anyone to join in, including a waiters race in London’s Hyde Park at 4pm, where participants will show off their combined skills of elegance, competition, and professional skills, by racing while carrying a tray with a bottle, keeping them in place for the whole race.

Fred Sirieix, general manager of Galvin at Windows at the London Hilton on Park Lane and the inspiration behind the event, said: “There has never been a more exciting time to join the hospitality industry. There are opportunities everywhere for those who want them and who are prepared to do what it takes.

“The idea behind National Waiters Day is to bring a spotlight to the hospitality industry and showcase what a great range of exciting careers the industry has to offer … we’ll also be having a lot of fun in the process.”

The National Waiters Day initiative is being supported and co-ordinated by the charity Springboard whose CEO, Anne Pierce, said: “We are delighted to be part of this fantastic National Waiters Day initiative to promote the waiting profession and hospitality industry as an great career choice and celebrate the success of waiters.

“The proceeds raised from the initiative will go towards enabling Springboard to develop and run an exciting programme for schools to encourage young people considering a career in front of house.”

In addition to the race, visitors to London’s Hyde Park can take part in a range of have-a-go activities to demonstrate front of house skills showcased by key sponsors and partners.

Headline sponsors of Waiters Day are Bunzl and BaxterStorey. Other sponsors include Zenith Hygiene and ISS.

For information about events and activities, or to enter a Waiters Race near you, visit www.nationalwaitersday.com