The annual First Night Riders event - which raises money for industry charity The Theatrical Guild (TTG), the only charity dedicated to looking after the interests of backstage and front of house personnel - is already attracting international attention with riders from around the world signing up for a good cause and a good time.
On Friday 22 June a group of the daredevil riders hailing from all sectors of the entertainment technology industry will set off from the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London for a four-day open-air tour of the south and south west of England.
Along the way they will visit key sites including Bristol's Theatre Royal, the Theatre Royal Plymouth, Hall for Cornwall and the incredible Minack Theatre at Land's End and The Kings Theatre Southsea.
The addition of the Royal Albert Hall tour is set to create even more interest in the event and help the team raise even more much-needed funds for TTG to beat the previous two rides £21,500 record.
Chris Cotton, chief executive of the Royal Albert Hall said, "We're delighted to be supporting the First Night Riders charity event this year by providing a landmark venue for their starting point and offering a private tour of the building. As a registered charity ourselves, we assist fellow charities wherever possible with their fundraising activities, and the support of backstage and front of house theatre staff is a cause very close to our heart."
In addition to the motorcade of motorbikes, celebrated British car manufacturer Morgan is sponsoring the event with the loan of a Morgan 4/4 allowing participants to tour in glamorous style and turn heads across the south west.
Organisers have recently announced that the final port of call on the 2012 tour is the historic Brooklands Race and Circuit Museum in Weybridge, where riders will enjoy a private buffet and explore the motoring and aviation exhibits, including some very special motorbikes - and Concorde!
2012 marks the third First Night Riders event. "TTG's work is more vital now than ever," says organiser Brenda Edelstein. "TTG helps people in times of hardship. We offer counselling, retraining and financial assistance, which is why it's such a worthy cause for the First Night Riders. Crucially, we really need your help to raise much-needed funds for TTG's amazing work - and riders to join the gang!"
If you want to take part - it's all for a great cause - you can find out more information via www.firstnightride.com
(Jim Evans)
