Guildhall Yard · Saturday 3 July 2027
Coopers’
Cask Race
The City of London’s civic sports day
Teams of four roll a cask across the cobbles of Guildhall Yard. No experience needed: open to livery companies, ward clubs, cadet forces, civic bodies and companies.
- Save the date
- Sat 3 July 2027
- Check-in
- 8:30am
- Racing begins
- 9:30am
- Where
- Guildhall Yard
The race
Teamwork, balance and a little skill
Now in its sixth year, the Cask Race is about teamwork more than strength: four people, one cask and one course across the Yard. There are prizes for the fastest individual and for the best fancy dress, and the winners of the final are crowned the Cask Race champions.
Spectators are welcome, and there is no charge to watch. We also run the Mini-Coopers, bringing smaller casks so that children can have a race of their own.
Programme
The morning
- 8:30
- Registration opens and practice rolling begins
- 9:20
- Health and safety briefing
- 9:25
- Blessing of the casks and opening remarks
- 9:30
- Racing begins
- 1:00
- Racing finishes and the prizes are presented
- After
- Drinks at the Wren Tavern, 67–69 Watling Street
Questions
Before you enter
Who can enter?
Teams of four from livery companies, ward clubs, guilds, civic institutions, military units, cadet forces and companies.
What does it cost?
Entry for a civic team is £285, including VAT. Corporate teams, please email info@caskrace.com.
What should we wear?
Sports clothing and sturdy footwear. Gloves are provided; long trousers are advised. Fancy dress is encouraged, and there is a prize for the best.
Can we come without racing?
Yes. There is no charge to watch, and children can race smaller casks in the Mini-Coopers.
Can we sponsor?
Yes. We are pleased to offer corporate sponsorship. Please email info@caskrace.com for further details.
Where does the money go?
Any surplus goes to the Coopers’ Company’s charities.
Origins
Born in the Yard
The Cask Race began in 2022, to lift spirits after the pandemic, show the coopers’ craft and bring the City together. Guildhall Yard, once a Roman amphitheatre, is its home.
Each year the race is opened by City of London VIPs: in past years the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs and Livery Masters, some of whom have rolled a cask themselves.
Sponsorship
Put your name on the course
We are pleased to offer corporate sponsorship, from branding on the course and in the programme to a named award, in front of around two hundred people in Guildhall Yard. Please email info@caskrace.com for further details.
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