Guiseley-based Vanbar Associates has stepped forward to support Aireborough RUFC’s first-ever beer festival.
The integrated communications agency, established in 2014 by Vanessa and Barry White, will sponsor one of 19 real ales offered at the two-day event on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd February.
Rob Rattray (centre), organiser of the Aireborough RUFC Beer Festival, with Vanessa and Barry White of Vanbar Associates
It coincides with the opening weekend of the Six Nations Rugby Championship, and all three games will be shown on a big screen including Saturday’s crucial clash between England and Ireland which kicks off at 4.45pm.
Entry is just £5 each day and includes two drinks tokens. Further tokens can be purchased at the bargain rate of five for a fiver. A range of gins and ciders will also be available, together with hot food from the club kitchen.
All profits will go towards the future development of the club’s facilities at its Nunroyd Park home in Yeadon, which will host the festival.
Vanbar Associates delivers an extensive range of communications services including media relations, public affairs, crisis management, copy writing and event management to clients in the public, private and charitable sectors.
Barry White, partner at Vanbar Associates, said: “It is a pleasure to be involved. We’ve had a long association with Aireborough RUFC, including a period when I was the worst coach in the entire junior section.
“Thankfully for the players, those days are in the past but it is wonderful to see the awe-inspiring work still being done by so many committed people to promote rugby union in Guiseley and Yeadon.
“Vanessa and I are delighted to sponsor a beer and would encourage anyone who has a free couple of hours to come along, even for a soft drink, and support a well-organised venture for a first-class cause.”
The event is the brainchild of Rob Rattray, managing director of educational marketing and student outreach specialists Syno Limited, who also serves as a volunteer with Aireborough RUFC’s junior section.
Rob said: “We’re immensely grateful to Vanbar Associates and all our sponsors for enabling the inaugural Aireborough RUFC beer festival to happen.
“There is tremendous passion for rugby union in the area. We want local people to know we’re here and enable them to get involved with what we do.
“The funds raised will help us to improve our offer and develop the game at junior and senior levels. It promises to a wonderful weekend of fun at a very modest cost. The fact that it’s happening just as Dry January ends is not a coincidence.”
The event will run from 7pm-11pm on Friday 1st February and from noon-11pm on Saturday 2nd February.