Guinness World Record Braai At Loftus With Big Save And 5fm This Heritage Day
This Heritage Day, South Africans are firing up the spirit of unity as Big Save and 5FM team up for the return of the World’s Biggest Braai at Loftus Versfeld.
On Thursday, 24 September 2026, thousands will gather for a proudly South African celebration of food, music, culture and community as the event once again attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the most people braaiing simultaneously – a record that belongs in only one place: MZANSI!
The goal for 2026 is massive, with 3,000 participants around 500 braais cooking together in one coordinated, record‑breaking moment.
Last year, the event drew 2,412 participants, surpassing the existing record of 2,220, but the attempt was not certified due to a technical requirement that states that participants must remain at their designated braai stations for the required period. This year, Big Save and 5FM return with renewed determination, saying that South Africans showed just how much they wanted to be part of something historic… and that the team is coming back bigger, better and even better prepared to bring the record home.
The official record attempt will begin at 10h00 sharp, with participants braaiing together under the supervision of stewards and independent witnesses in accordance with Guinness World Records requirements. As aspiring joint world record holders gather around the fire, 5FM will be on the ground with 5 Mid Mornings with Karabo broadcasting live from location, connecting listeners nationwide to the sizzling action to the beat of some banging tunes.
Once the braai is complete, the celebration continues with a full Heritage Day festival, featuring some of South Africa’s biggest artists, including Mafikizolo, Shekhinah, Matthew Mole, Lady Zamar, Zaan Sonnekus and Ben Rodrigues, alongside food, cool brand activations, bars, activities and a full festival atmosphere at one of the country’s most iconic venues.
Tickets cost R255 per person and include everything required to participate in the Guinness World Record attempt, with all braai equipment and supplies provided as part of the experience, along with full access to the festival and live entertainment.
Masi Mdingane, 5FM and Good Hope FM’s Business Manager, says,
“5FM is always where the heat is at, and there’s no better way to lead us up to our birthday month in October than through a world record. When South Africans come together to make history, you’ll find us right there in the middle of the action, bringing the vibe and moving the crowds that move the world. The World’s Biggest Braai is more than a record attempt, it’s a celebration of who we are, and we’re proud to stand with Big Save as we help to fire up a global news moment the whole country can share.”
Big Save says the World’s Biggest Braai is about celebrating something that belongs to all South Africans and creating a moment in history that everyone can share.
South Africans are invited to bring their friends and family, take their place around the braai and help Big Save and 5FM bring the Guinness World Record home. Tickets are available through Howler.
To be part of the vibe and World Record setting action, download 5FM App and stay locked to 5FM on‑air, online at 5fm.co.za and across all our socials.
How the Braai Works: 09:00 – 12:00
All you need to bring is yourself. We have the rest covered!
Each braai ticket includes:
- A portion of wors to braai
- A fresh roll/pap
- A branded apron to keep
- A pair of tongs to keep
- Access to a braai station, prelit and ready for cooking
At 10:00am sharp, all 3,000 participants will braai together in what will be the biggest public braai the world has ever seen.
Please note: For Guinness World Records purposes, all braai participants must remain at their allocated braai station for the full official braai period. This is extremely important. Participants may not leave their station, walk around, visit friends, take photos away from their station, or move to another braai during the official attempt.
We are doing this together, and every single person plays a part in bringing the record home.
The Festival Experience: 12:00 – 20:00
Once the record attempt is complete, it’s time to celebrate. Enjoy a full Heritage Day festival experience with:
- Live performances and entertainment
- Beer garden, 18+ only
- A wide variety of food trucks and drink vendors
- Family-friendly zones with chill areas and entertainment
- Brand activations filled with games, prizes and fun
Important Info:
- Braai participation is limited to 3,000 people. No additional braai tickets will be released once sold out.
- Only children aged 13 and up may participate in the braai.
- All braai participants must remain at their allocated braai station during the official Guinness World Records attempt period.
- Participants who leave their station during the official attempt may not be counted towards the final record total.
- No under 18s allowed in the beer garden. IDs may be checked at entry.
- Total event capacity is 4,000 people. Access will be controlled at all gates.
- No outside food, drinks, alcohol, or braai gear allowed.
- Right of Admission Reserved. Security will be present throughout the day.
- No weapons, illegal substances, or hazardous materials allowed.
- No pass-outs or re-entry without an official wristband.
Please be aware that by entering and participating in this event, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to potentially infectious diseases, accidents, injury, or loss. You agree to release and hold harmless the event organisers, venue, and their affiliates from any and all claims arising from your attendance.
Event organisers accept no responsibility for loss, damage, injury, or theft. Entry is at your own risk.
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About 5FM
5FM is South Africa’s favourite national youth radio station and multimedia platform – well informed, sharp-witted, unapologetically brave and massively entertaining. With its unmistakable Top 40 spice, 5FM makes the waves that moves SA’s youth – bringing listeners banging tunes, the hottest news, most engaging interviews and all the coolest events and activations in Mzansi, along with CSI projects that change people’s lives for the better.
As an entertainment powerhouse, 5FM features some of the most well-known media personalities and music DJs in South Africa. The station embraces content that is relevant, youth-driven and co-created with the 5FM community, while proudly supporting the South African music industry.
5FM has won numerous awards at the Sunday Times GenNext Awards, Rapport Reader’s Choice Awards and Telkom Radio Awards, to name only a few.
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