Proud of Pubs Week: A week to celebrate
The waiting for Proud of Pubs Week 2010 is nearly over and we are determined to get things started with a bang.
The event, which runs from July 19 to 25, celebrates everything that is great about pubs, and what better way to start than with a party to launch the week? We have teamed up with The Publican's Pub of the Year, the Wiremill in Surrey, to throw a launch party - and we would love other pubs across the country to do the same.
Our event will see pub regulars mixing with licensees, industry workers and company bosses.
Meanwhile, entertainment will include world record attempts by beermat-flipping specialist Dean Gould.
Guests will also be able to sample our own Proud of Pubs Summer Ale and Marston's Pedigree through the new Fast Cask system.
So what are the key elements to making sure your Proud of Pubs Party ticks the right boxes?
According to Anthony Pender, one of the owners of freehouse the Wiremill, organisation is vital to the success of a party. He said: "We have been planning this with The Publican for a while and it is important to be ready for the day when it happens.
"This means getting the invites out early and making sure you have good food and good entertainment. If you can get something quirky like a world record attempt then all the better."
He added: "It's going to be a fantastic evening and we are really looking forward to it."
Meanwhile, Mark East, licensee at the Row Barge in Guildford, Surrey, is also planning to hold a Proud of Pubs Party to mark the week.
He will host live music at the pub and get some speciality beers in from local brewers. "For something like this you have to let people know about it weeks in advance, so the posters have to go up and people need to be talking about it," he said.
"If you are booking an act it is also important that they know what the event is all about so they can get into the spirit of things."
So with just two weeks to go it's definitely time to make sure you are ready to throw a party your customers will never forget.
Dates for your diary
Throwing a party is just one of the ways to mark Proud of Pubs Week. Here is our suggested diary of events that can hopefully inspire you to make the most of the week
Monday July 19
Launch the week and celebrate how great pubs are with a Proud of Pubs Party
Tuesday July 20
Raise funds for a great cause
Wednesday July 21
Build your online community and make the web work for you
Thursday July 22
A Day to Diversify - try to add a new strand to your business
Friday July 23
Spread the word - get your local MPs, newspaper reporters and celebrities in the pub
Top Five Party tips from Pedigree
Hosting a party can be a complicated business, but it doesn't have to be - just follow Pedigree's top tips for the perfect summer party below and you'll be having a stress free knees up before you know it!
- Give it a theme - Whether it's fancy dress or party decorations, holding a themed party is bound to entice customers to get involved and have some fun.
- Do your bit - A charity event will invariably draw people down for a party, plus you will earn cash for worthy causes at the same time. Everyone's a winner.
- Get web-wise - Social media is a great way to communicate your messages without major costs attached, so start flaunting your Facebook and Tweeting to your heart's content.
- Don't trust the weatherman - We all know our weather is as unpredictable as Sunday night trade, so if you have an outdoor event planned make sure there is a plan B.
- Lay down the challenge - We all love a challenge, whether it is balancing a penny on a floating lemon or devouring the world's biggest hot dog. Set up your own and see champions crowned and egos quashed to the cheering of the crowd.
Be proud of your party, be proud of your pub!
