Fortnum & Mason is partnering with The Boat Race in a collaboration which brings together two icons of British tradition. Fortnum & Mason will provide dining experiences to hospitality guests at The CHANEL J12 Boat Race 2026.
The Boat Race is one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events, dating back to 1829. Since 1707, Fortnum & Mason has been synonymous with exceptional quality and craftsmanship, creating extraordinary food, joy-giving gifts and unforgettable experiences – a legacy that sits naturally alongside Britain’s most iconic sporting traditions.
As an official hospitality partner, Fortnum & Mason will provide luxury picnic hampers on VIP launches following the races between two of the UK’s oldest and most historic universities, Oxford and Cambridge.
The partnership will also see Fortnum & Mason supply ‘Fortnum’s Banquets’ at The Boat Race’s official hospitality venues on Boat Race Day on Easter Saturday, whilst the Friends of Fortnum’s Membership will provide exclusive Boat Race content and offers.
Liz Darran, Chief Brand and Creative Officer, Fortnum & Mason, said: “As one of Britain’s most iconic sporting traditions, the Boat Race is an important ritual that brings generations together, and we are thrilled to partner with the event for this year’s historic race day. Celebrating great British traditions lies at the heart of Fortnum’s, and this collaboration brings together our shared values of heritage and celebration in equal measure. We’re delighted to bring a little Fortnum’s magic to race day – honouring the pageantry of the occasion while ensuring every detail is as delicious and joyful as it should be.”
Siobhan Cassidy, Chair of The Boat Race Company, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Fortnum & Mason as a partner. Their longstanding reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and British tradition aligns perfectly with the spirit of The Boat Race. This partnership will help to elevate our spectator experience and we look forward to working closely with the Fortnum & Mason team to create something truly special for those who come down to watch this historic rivalry along the riverbanks of the Thames.”
The CHANEL J12 Boat Race takes place on the Championship Course – a 4.25-mile stretch of the tidal Thames between Putney and Mortlake known as the Tideway – on Easter Saturday, 4 April. The Women’s Race takes place at 14:21 followed by the Men’s Race at 15:21.
Last year saw Cambridge University win both the Men’s and Women’s Races, leaving the overall records as 88-81 in the favour of Cambridge Men and 49-30 in the favour of Cambridge Women.
The 2026 event will be broadcast live on Channel 4, with coverage starting from 13:30 BST.
-ENDS-
For all The Boat Race 2026 media enquiries please contact:
The PHA Group – [email protected]
Notes to editors
About The Boat Race
The Boat Race was first raced by crews from Oxford and Cambridge University in 1829 and is now one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events, offering an unrivalled educational experience to the student athletes who take part.
The world-famous sporting event between the UK’s two greatest universities has become synonymous with British tradition and excellence. The Boat Race has established itself as the epitome of amateur sport, raced by student athletes who combine academic rigour with elite physical prowess. There is no greater occasion.
The Boat Race takes place in London on the famous Championship Course that stretches over 4.25 miles of tidal Thames in West London between Putney and Mortlake.
About Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason is essential for anyone seeking extraordinary food, joy-giving gifts, unforgettable experiences, and exceptional service. First founded in London in 1707, after Queen Anne permitted her footman William Fortnum to sell discarded candles from St James’s Palace, Fortnum’s has forged a close relationship with the British Royal household ever since. Fortnum & Mason holds two Royal Warrants, one from His Majesty The King and one from Her Majesty The Queen.
A London retail institution and pioneer in the hospitality sector, innovation has always been a central pillar at Fortnum’s. From inventing the Scotch Egg and providing supplies to the 1922 Everest expedition to beekeeping in Piccadilly’s rooftop hives and launching the Food & Drink Awards to celebrate people and talent, Fortnum’s has been a trusted disruptor and authority in the food & drink space, at home and internationally, from the very beginning.
Every year, millions of people from around the world visit the Piccadilly flagship to enjoy Fortnum’s famous Afternoon Tea and shop its extraordinary food, gift and fragrance halls. The iconic brand is celebrated for its teas, Scotch eggs, hand-made chocolates, and wicker hampers – each playing a large part in its centuries of history – and remains committed to imagination and discovery today. In April 2023, Fortnum’s opened its Food & Drink Studio as a space dedicated to the search for extraordinary food and drink experiences. Visitors can enjoy unmissable masterclasses and intimate dining experiences hosted by some of the world’s best chefs, watch live demonstrations led by major names in food and drink, and listen to illuminating conversations with makers and creatives who share our passion for all things delicious.
Proud of its storied past and innovation, Fortnum’s mission remains to make joy for every customer, whether they’re shopping in-store or from around the world at the award-winning www.fortnumandmason.com. Follow Fortnum’s on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok (@fortnums)