First Night Riders Get Ready to Roll

	Photo Caption: 2010 launch of the First Night Riders charity event outside the National Theatre, London

Do you work in the entertainment industry? Do you have a motorbike you wish you could ride more often? If so, how do you fancy a summer weekend away, burning some rubber on the open road with a group of like-minded bikers? Not only will you be able to network with others from your industry, visit a number of fascinating and significant UK theatres but you will also raise money for a very worthy cause.

On June 18, The First Night Riders (FNRs) will once more rev up for eight-day tour around the UK to raise money for The Theatrical Guild (TTG). You can join them for as long or as short a time as you like -- a day, a weekend or, if you are feeling brave, the whole week.

On Saturday, June 18 riders will depart from The National Theatre London and travel to the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. They will travel to Norwich, where they will have a backstage tour of the Theatre Royal. After an overnight stop, riders will journey to Castle Acre, where they will have coffee with Jane Slattery, head props buyer for the National Theatre. Then it's on to Nottingham for a complimentary lunch and tour courtesy of Eric Oldham, of Metool Reels.

If you're not available the first weekend, you can join the ride on Friday June 24 in Cardiff. The riders will cruise to Swindon Mechanics Institute. From there, they will travel to Stratford upon Avon for supper and a discounted performance of Macbeth in the newly transformed RSC Theatre.

On Saturday, the ride will travel to the final destination, Alexandra Palace, in North London, for a courtesy lunch and tour.

The Theatrical Guild is the only theatre charity in the UK that is available to anyone who is or has worked in the theatre -- backstage or front of house. The charity offers support and financial assistance to theatre people at all stages of their lives and careers. TTG regularly assists those who want to retrain or develop their careers and has recently launched an education bursary. The charity also offers financial assistance to those unable to work due to accident or illness, retirees who require financial help to maintain their independence or those who require supplementary funds for nursing home fees or childcare costs.

To get involved contact Brenda Edelstein at the email address provided.