Cambridge Roar 2018 is launched - and promises to be better than ever
Cambridge Independent is supporting this year’s fundraising festival in aid of four charities
The Cambridge Roar has been launched for 2018 - and promises to be the best yet.
Supported by the Cambridge Independent, the Roar series of eight fundraising events will benefit four charities: Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, Cambridge United Community Trust, East Anglian Air Ambulance and Racing Welfare.
Now in its fourth year, the Roar is the brainchild of Tony Murdock, general manager of Quy Mill Hotel & Spa, where the events will be held between May and September.
Tony said:"Each year, we aim to be bigger, better and bolder than the last and I see us doing that again this year with these eight fantastic events.
"Our core aim with the Roar is to raise as much money as we can for the charities we support by hosting events that people love coming along to, all the while having loads of fun in the process.
"I'm incredibly proud of what we have achieved and continue to achieve - which wouldn't be possible without the support of our wonderful sponsors, partners, volunteers and all the people who attend the events. We very much look forward to welcoming everyone to Roar 2018.
The Roar has raised £85,000 to date, including £30,000 last year. There are high hopes that this total can be beaten this year.
An official launch, revealing the line-up, was held at the four-star hotel in Stow-cum-Quy last Wednesday night, where BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenter Chris Mann, a non-executive director of the Roar, urged those gathered to take advantage of the 10 per cent discount for early bird bookings, and interviewed representatives of the charities that will benefit.
Ricky Allan, managing director at Iliffe Media, the publisher of the Cambridge Independent, said:"There is something here for everyone and we look forward to helping to make this year's Roar the biggest and best yet, so that these great causes benefit."
Early bird discount
To get 10 per cent off tickets to the Cambridge Roar events, book yours at http://www.thecambridgeroar.co.uk/ by February 28.
The events
Football Heroes Dinner - Friday May 18
On the night before the FA Cup Final, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire's Chris Mann will host a panel discussion at this dinner. Cambridge United legend and TV pundit Steve Claridge has been announced as a panel member, along with Graham Daniels, a member of the Cambridge United board and chairman of its community trust, with more names to be announced.
Amateur Boxing Dinner - Saturday June 9
Run by the Mid-Anglia Boxing Association, affiliated to England Boxing Association, guests will watch the very best amateur boxers in Cambridgeshire take on those from the rest of the UK in 14 bouts, while they enjoy a black-tie dinner.
Business Games - Thursday June 14
Teams of six people from a host of organisations can pit their wits and test their strength against each other in a series of obstacles, trials and games as they compete to win the title of Roar Business Games Champions.
Champagne Dinner - Wednesday June 14
A sell-out for the last three years, this promises an intimate evening of very fine Champagne and exquisite food. Pierre Darquey, from the event's new partner, Moet & Chandon, will host the evening, matching food with Champagne.
B2B Exhibition - Thursday June 28
Supported by the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce and Iliffe Media, this exhibition will feature more than 60 stands offering businesses a chance to promote their products and services, and build connections. There will be speed-networking sessions, plus two topical and engaging seminars - all free to attend.
Racing Dinner - Wednesday July 4
Held in partnership with Newmarket Racecourse and Discover Newmarket, this is odds-on to be a favourite again with Roar punters.
Arrival drinks will be followed by a three-course dinner and a fabulous evening of racing fun, tips and stories from a panel of racing professionals. The host is renowned TV and radio racing presenter and commentator Derek 'Tommo' Thompson. Previous panellists have included Bob Champion, Michael Prosser, Gay Kellaway, Freddie Tilicki, Charlie Fellowes, Martin Smith and Hayley Turner.
Afternoon Tea - Thursday July 19
A perfect way to while away an afternoon with friends, enjoy shopping in the Roar's boutique stores, plus tea, cake and bingo.
The Greatest Ball, Saturday September 22
The grand finale of the Cambridge Roar promises a few surprises. Based on the film The Greatest Showman, a fantastic evening of music, dance, glamour and more is planned, with a touch of the unexpected. Organisers are promising the best finale ball the Roar has held to date.
