This year's tour will take to the road between the 7th and 11th of July somewhere within 100 miles of central London.
The Theatrical Guild, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, has long helped those working in backstage and front of house roles during their times of need. The organisation offers advice, re-training opportunities or one-off grants to those who, due to a range of circumstances, may require support.
The ride has a new format this year. For the first time ever the route and venues that will be visited along the way are top secret. The details will be revealed at the Thursday night briefing on the 7th of July. More information about the first day will be revealed closer to the date of the event.
The motorbike and classic car ride is organised by Triple E's David and Brenda Edelstein on behalf of The Theatrical Guild. Triple E provide track systems and custom designed equipment for use in the entertainment industry.
"We're very excited for this year's 'Magical Mystery Tour'," says David Edelstein. "We're thankful to everyone that supports us and we are always overwhelmed by the donations we receive for TTG, it's such a worthy cause."
So far this year there are already more than 26 confirmed participants, with numerous more registering their interest; in previous years as many as 30 people have taken part. The event also sees international participants, with Dick and Mai Lindstrom of mechanical engineering and lighting supplier Anderson & Co. Sweden taking part for the fifth time. The couple will be travelling the whole way from Sweden to England by motorbike.
First Night Riders has raised more than £70,000 to date, enabling the charity to help hundreds of people. The Theatrical Guild has many supporters in the industry, including Dara O'Briain and TTG patrons Keira Knightley and Simon Russell-Beale.
In past years FNR has visited the likes of Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus, Eastbourne's Devonshire Park Theatre and Liverpool's Everyman Theatre.
There is more information about how to join, support or donate to this year's ride available at www.firstnightride.com.
(LSi Online)
