Organisers have just announced that theatre consultant George Ellerington of Arup Venue, Dick Lindstrom from the Swedish mechanics and lighting company Anderson & Co, stage designer and engineer Giles Favell and Andy Hayles, managing partner of theatre consultancy Charcoalblue are all signed up to take part in this year's race.
These new riders will set off with bikers hailing from all sectors of the entertainment technology industry on Friday 22 June from the grand Royal Albert Hall in London for a four-day tour visiting Theatre Royal's Bristol and Plymouth, TR2 & Globe Theatre Plymouth, Hall for Cornwall, The Minack Theatre and Kings Theatre Swansea.
Their mission? To raise as much money as possible for industry charity The Theatrical Guild (TTG), the only charity dedicated to looking after the interests of backstage and Front of House personnel.
And to add to the fun, it's just been revealed that the final port of call on the 2012 tour is the historic Brooklands Circuit and Museum in Weybridge, where riders will enjoy a private buffet and explore the motoring and aviation exhibits, including some very special motorbikes.
"2012 marks the third First Night Riders event and we're hoping to make it the most successful and fun ride yet," says organiser David Edelstein, who's a keen biker and managing director of mechanical product design company Triple E. "It's important that we value the help charities like The Theatrical Guild provide. TTG is the only charity in the UK available to anyone who works, or has worked in theatre - backstage or front of house. The TTG is there for anyone from this industry and who is facing financial difficulty, requires welfare or who wants to re-train to develop their careers.
"Today, TTG's work is more vital than ever," continues Brenda Edelstein. "TTG helps people of all ages who find themselves in very difficult circumstances, which is why it's such a worthy cause for the First Night Riders. Crucially, we really need more Industry sponsors and riders to join the gang to raise much-needed funds for TTG's amazing work."
The previous two rides have raised £21,500 for TTG. Can you help beat that in this third-time-lucky year?
For more information on the ride and the route it will take check out the first night rider's website - www.firstnightride.com.
(Jim Evans)
