18:00 | Sat 31 May 2025 ǀFestival Pier
📍 Festival Pier, London SE1 8XZ
🗓 Saturday 31 May 2025
🕕 Meet at 18:00 – Boat departs at 19:00 sharp
🛥 Cruise ends at 23:00
Important! We’re kicking things off at Festival Pier (NOT Putney Pier like previous years), and we need all troops assembled by 18:00 sharp. The boat will leave without you if you're late – no exceptions. This isn’t a minibus to Zouk – it’s a strict schedule!
🕕 18:00 SHARP –
WRISTBANDS AT THE NEEDLE
Reporting for duty starts at 18:00! We’ll be handing out wristbands at the needle (Festival Pier) – come early, grab yours, and get ready to board.
Commander-in-Chief Nicky will be stationed there handling wristband distribution. If you find Nicky, you find your ticket to the cruise. Don’t be that oke showing up late and asking silly questions!
🌭 Boerie Situation
Our Boerieman has taken a knock and isn’t feeling well – we’re doing our best to find a backup caterer at short notice to bring the flavour. We're holding thumbs he pulls through, but making contingency plans just in case.
If you know any local legends who could step in last-minute, please have them WhatsApp us ASAP and be the hero this boat deserves!
If we’re unable to sort boerie, there are loads of food options near the pier – grab a bite before boarding so you’ve got fuel for the party ahead. No one parties properly on an empty tank!
🚢 Boarding from 18:45 – Departure at 19:00 SHARP
We board at 18:45 and the boat leaves the dock at 19:00 with or without you. No jokes. No delays. No excuses. Be there or watch the jol from the banks of the Thames.
🍻 NO Outside Food or Drink Allowed Onboard
This is a serious one. The boat security are sharp – like, sharper than a dubbletjie sharp. They check everyone, and they will catch you.
So don’t try sneak on your chow or dop – it won’t work, and you’ll just end up watching your biltong or brandy get confiscated.
🍹 Need a Pre-Cruise Toot?
Giraffe (right at the needle) has kindly agreed to serve to-go cups to Braai Army troops. So if you're grabbing a drink before we sail, head there, get it in a cup, and join the crew outside.
🔥 Limited space – don’t miss the boat!
This Is More Than Just a Party — It’s a Movement
Now that the formalities are out the way, we want to welcome each and every one of you — especially if this is your first Braai Army experience. You're not just attending an event, you're becoming part of something truly special.
The Braai Army is built on the unstoppable energy of South African gees — that unmistakable vibe that lives in our smiles, our songs, our kindness, and our deep love for each other and our heritage.
This isn’t a spectator sport. YOU are the ones who create the atmosphere. The music, the dancing, the singing, the laughter — it all starts with the troops. If you see something that could use a hand, step in. If someone looks like they’re standing alone, pull them into your circle. That’s the Braai Army way.
South African Ambassadors
We are proud ambassadors of the Global South Africans Network, and when we gather overseas, we carry with us the spirit of home. We treat each other — and everyone around us — with respect, kindness, and open-hearted joy. Let’s show London what South Africans are made of: unity, laughter, and next-level jol energy.
⚠️ This is a Safe Space
In the Braai Army, there's no room for hate, aggression, or negativity. We lead with love, peace, and respect. If you ever feel uncomfortable, please don’t engage — walk away or come find someone from the crew. We’ve got your back.
Tomorrow is about connection. It's about pride. It's about celebrating who we are — the beauty of our country, the strength of our people, and the magic that happens when South Africans come together.
So bring your lekker vibes, bring your biggest smile, and be ready to meet your next best chomma.
We can’t wait to cruise, connect, and create unforgettable memories with you.
