First Night Riders Are Revving Up to Ride Again

The First Night Riders -- a group of UK-based motorbike riding theatre professionals and their friends, will once more don their leathers and helmets to raise much needed funds for The Theatrical Guild (TTG), the only theatre charity in the country that specifically looks after backstage and front-of-house workers in times of hardship.

As in 2010, the one-week motorcycle ride is scheduled to visit some of the UK's most exciting theatres, towns, and cities. For added excitement, riders will this year visit the Isle of Man TT course and also Stratford Upon Avon, where they will see a bran- new production of Macbeth at the regenerated Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

The 2011 ride will rev up and burn off from the National Theatre on June 18, and the event will climax on June 25 at Alexandra Palace in North London.

Motorbike enthusiasts from the industry are invited to join in and raise money for TTG, either on a daily basis or for the whole engine-revving week. Information about the route, how to get involved, accommodation etc can be found on the First Night Riders website, which is listed below.

Each rider taking part will be asked to raise a target of £500 (it can be less if they are just taking part for the day). Last year, FNRs raised £12,000. Photos and details of last years ride can be found on the FNR's website.

As happened last year, the event is organized by Brenda and David Edelstein, from Triple E Ltd, and is supported by a team of industry volunteers who arrange the route, hotels, and sponsors. David Edelstein says, "This year we hope to raise even more money by encouraging more industry riders and their friends to take part. We would ask all interested parties to contact Brenda or myself or go to our website for more information and to volunteer."

"Last year, many of the costs of taking part, such as hotels or meals, were offset by the generous sponsorship of industry businesses and individuals who either provided hospitality en route or subsidized accommodation costs," continues Brenda Edelstein. "We welcome all offers of sponsorship, be it a cup of tea or cold hard cash, as it really does help smooth the way and enables us to concentrate on raising as much money as possible for The Theatrical Guild."

For further information on how to get involved please check out the First Night Riders website below.