When is Children in Need 2021? Date of Pudsey Day, this year’s song, activities, and how to get involved

Asda George has its own Children in Need clothing shop, selling Pudsey Bear ears, t-shirts and pyjamas
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Pudsey Bear returns to TV screens as Children in Need celebrates its 41st anniversary.

The live telethon helps to raise millions of pounds to help disadvantaged children and young people across the UK who have been affected by poverty, disability, illness, abuse, neglect, and behavioural or psychological difficulties.

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The appeals show is similar to the BBC’s Comic Relief Red Nose Day appeal, although this is specifically targeted at eradicating poverty around the world, with the aim of driving positive change through the power of entertainment.

The annual Children in Need show is broadcast on BBC One and BBC Two and runs for several hours, featuring a host of celebrity guests, short documentary films and comedy specials.

Popular TV shows often host their own Children in Need episodes before the telethon kicks off, with the likes of Doctor Who, DIY SOS, Pointless and The One Show broadcasting unique specials in the past.

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The telethon also features the beloved mascot Pudsey Bear, with official design contests and activities running each year featuring the lovable character to help raise funds.

But what is in store for 2021? Here’s what you need to know about the telethon and how to get involved.

When is Children in Need 2021?

The Children in Need telethon will be broadcast live on BBC One on Friday 19 November 2021 from 7pm to 10pm.

This year’s show will see BBC News and Sports journalists sing their hearts out for a special lip sync round of the BBC One singing game show I Can See Your Voice.

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A teddy bear will also get a new lease of life at The Repair Shop, Team GB and Paralympics GB will get together to compete in a school sports day, and CBBC presenters Sam and Mark will take on game show The Wall.

There will also be music performances from global superstar Ed Sheeran and fellow chart-topping artist Tom Grennan, plus plenty of special guests.

The show will be presented by Ade Adepitan MBE, Mel Giedroyc, Graham Norton, Chris Ramsey and Alex Scott MBE.

Pudsey BearPudsey Bear
Pudsey Bear

What is the Children in Need song in 2021?

This year’s anthem will see Niall Horan and Anne-Marie perform a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Everywhere. The song is released on Friday 19 November, with the official video being revealed during the BBC One appeal show.

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Ed Sheeran, Griff and Yungblud feature on the track, playing guitar, synth and bass.

Last year’s all-star track was a cover of Foo Fighters’ Times Like These.

A minimum of 50p from the sale of each download of the track in the UK will go to Children in Need.

Where does the money raised for Children in Need go?

The money raised for Children in Need is used to help support disadvantaged children across the UK.

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It is the vision of the BBC that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood, and the chance to reach their full potential.

At the moment, BBC Children in Need supports more than 3,000 local charities and projects in communities across the country, helping to tackle issues faced by young people such as poverty, trauma and neglect.

Since the first major appeal in 1980, more than £1 billion has been raised to help improve the lives of youngsters in the UK, according to the BBC.

A full list of the projects BBC Children in Need has helped to fund can be found on the official website.

How much was raised in 2020?

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BBC Children in Need’s appeal last year raised a whopping £37,032,789 for young people.

Little Mix, Kidz Bop and Joe Wicks were among the stars who featured on the 2020 show.

Can I get involved in activities?

The official Children in Need website features a fundraising hub where you can find a variety of tips, ideas and advice on how to raise funds to support the cause.

Here you can download a free fundraising kit to get involved this year, which includes various tools and posters to make your fundraising a success.

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Suggestions for fun ways to raise money include holding a bake sale or a raffle, or getting sponsored to take on a challenge.

Asda is also selling a range of Children in Need merchandise this year with the money raised used to support the BBC’s Emergency Essentials Programme, which provides grants for families living in severe financial, health and social difficulties.

This means families will be provided with basic needs such as a bed to sleep in, a cooker to ensure children can have hot meals, and other items that are critical to young people’s wellbeing.

The range includes the likes of pyjamas, slippers, t-shirts, leggings, hoodies and Pudsey ears headbands, and can be purchased online or in-store.

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