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 Casidy, 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.
