South Africa is going back for the Guinness World Record for the biggest braai this Heritage Day, with 3,000 people expected at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
Last year, more than 2,400 people gathered at the same stadium and appeared to have done enough to beat the existing record.
But the attempt was not officially recognised after some participants left their designated braai stations during the record attempt.
Now, organisers are trying again, with stricter rules and 500 pre-lit braais ready for the 2026 attempt on September 24.
The aim is to have 3,000 people braaiing simultaneously between 10 am and noon, while remaining at their allocated stations for the entire attempt.
That makes the challenge rather different from your average Heritage Day braai.
There will be plenty of meat, music and South African spirit, but this time, leaving your braai to go and chat could cost Mzansi another shot at the record.
What happened last year?
In 2025, 2,412 people took part in the Loftus Versfeld attempt, beating the existing Guinness World Record figure of 2,220 people braaiing simultaneously.
But numbers alone were not enough.
Guinness World Records rules require every registered participant to remain at their allocated braai station throughout the official attempt.
Some participants moved away from their stations to socialise and take photographs, meaning the attempt did not meet the required conditions.
This year’s organisers are hoping that the lesson has been learnt.
Gates open at 9 am, giving participants time to get settled before the official attempt begins at 10 am. The record attempt runs until noon.
How much does it cost?
Tickets cost R255 per person and include the essentials for the braai.
Each participant gets a portion of wors, a bread roll or pap, a pair of tongs, a branded apron and access to a pre-lit braai station.
The tongs and apron can also be taken home afterwards.
There is a minimum age of 13 for anyone taking part in the official braai attempt, while the venue has a total capacity of 4,000 people.
Outside food, drinks, alcohol and personal braai equipment are not allowed into the venue.
There is more than just the braai
Once the serious business of the record attempt is over, the day continues as a Heritage Day celebration.
The festival runs until 8 pm, with live performances from Mafikizolo, Shekhinah, Matthew Mole, Lady Zamar, Zaan Sonnekus and Ben Rodrigues.
There will also be food trucks, interactive activities and family relaxation areas. Adults over 18 can make use of the beer garden.
The event will also be broadcast live, with 5FM’s Karabo hosting the station’s 5 Mid Mornings from Loftus Versfeld.
What you need to know
The important part for anyone hoping to be counted in the record attempt is simple: once the official braai begins, stay at your allocated station.
With 3,000 people expected to take part, there should be no shortage of South African braai spirit. The challenge will be keeping everyone in place long enough for the attempt to count.
And if all goes according to plan, Heritage Day could end with South Africa officially holding the Guinness World Record for the most people braaing simultaneously.
