Pubs across Portsmouth region sign up for world's biggest quiz to support local charities

More than 1,200 pubs have registered to get involved in a nationwide quiz that is being backed by many MPs.

Pubs such as The Druids Arms in Portsmouth, Gosport’s The Junction Tavern and The Travellers Rest in Fareham are taking part.

It’s in aid of trying to show how important a town’s local is to the community.

Event organiser Ross Piggott believes The World’s Biggest Quiz will demonstrate the power pubs still wield.

He said: ‘There’s so much negativity around pubs, but people don’t understand what good things they do.

‘Pubs donate hundreds of millions worth of pounds to good causes each year so this is a massive opportunity for pubs to get involved and continue their long tradition of fundraising.

‘The pubs involved can choose their own charities and it’s important to make sure that everyone in the area knows that pubs aren’t just about socialising and drinking – they are an important aspect of community life.’

So far, 1,100 bars have signed up for the pub quiz, which takes place on Sunday, February 7.

Sue Castellano, licensee at The Druid Arms in Portsmouth, said: ‘We’re taking part in the quiz because it’s a great way to generate new customers.

‘As it’s on a Sunday night most people have been out spending all their money by that late in the weekend, but we’re hoping it’s going to get people out and about.

‘We just want people to come, participate and have fun.’

Deana Geary, landlady of The Junction Tavern, is taking part for a special reason.

She said: ‘We’re raising money for a brain tumour charity as I recently lost my uncle to a brain tumour.

‘We decided there is no better way for the pub to raise money than to take part in the world’s biggest pub quiz.

‘We are a very community-led pub, so we’re hoping it not only benefits the pub, but the community as well.

‘The aim is to help meet new people.’

The evening raises money for lots of different local causes and charities, and so far more than 500 have been nominated.

Organisers are also trying to break the Guinness World Record for the largest multi-venue quiz.

If you’re a pub that would like to take part, visit worldsbiggestquiz.pubaid.com