Pudsey Day, also known as Children in Need, the BBC’s annual fundraising event is back this year to raise more money for disadvantaged children.
Each year, a number of celebrities and prominent figures take part in an evening-long telethon that features entertaining sketches, performances and live streams from around the country.
It follows on from weeks of fundraising as people around the UK take on ambitious challenges to raise money for local charities committed to removing barriers facing children and young people.
This year's Vernon Kay’s ambitious Ultramarathon Challenge has captured the nation’s hearts.
In 2022, BBC Children in Need raised £35 million and helped more than 460,000 children and young people overcome challenges.
Let’s take a look at what we can expect this year in the run-up to the 2023 Children in Need event.
What is BBC Children in Need?
Children in Need takes place every year in the UK. Its goal is to raise money to support children across the country, with funding being divided between thousands of charities.
The success of Children in Need relies on donations and the help of people across the UK. This includes a SPOTacular annual appeal that takes place in November, which encourages people to raise funds for Children in Need.
It also culminates in the annual televised fundraising event, where celebs take part in a fun TV special to encourage more donations.
When is Children in Need 2023?
The official BBC Children in Need Appeal Show will be aired live on Friday, November 17. However, people were encouraged to start their fundraising efforts beforehand.
There will be a variety of challenges and fundraising efforts organised by BBC stars ahead of the Children in Need appeal show such as Vernon Kay’s Ultramarathon Challenge for Children in Need.
Kay began his ultramarathon for BBC Children in Need on Tuesday at 9am, and he started his last leg this morning at 5:45am.
He will be travelling more than 115 miles in total.
The challenge began in Leicester's Victoria Park and will conclude in Bolton, the star's hometown.
Over £3,100,000 has been raised by the star since the challenge began.
How to watch Children in Need 2023
Viewers will be able to watch the show on BBC1 as well as iPlayer.
It usually kicks off around 7pm and finishes by 10pm.
How to get involved
There are a number of ways that you can get involved with Children in Need 2023. As well as making a donation towards the charity event, you can host your own fundraising project or get involved with other local fundraising initiatives.
There are also several SPOTacular fundraising initiatives that will take place in the run-up to the show.
On November 10, the BBC encouraged gamers to join forces to help raise money while highlighting the positive impact of video games.
You can also take part in the Challenge Yourself for Children in Need movement, which is hosted by The One Show and is encouraging people to set a challenge to raise money.
There’s also the Countryfile Ramble, which encourages people to put on a ramble to raise money.
The nation’s PE teacher, Joe Wicks, is also calling on people to take part in the Pudsey Bearpee challenge, bringing together people to collectively complete 100 million Bearpees to raise funds.
You can also make a purchase from the Pudsey shop where you can buy a number of Children in Need-inspired items.
How old is Pudsey Bear?
Pudsey Bear, the symbol of Children in Need, was introduced in 1985. Created by Joanna Lane, a designer at the BBC, the symbol’s name was inspired by Ball’s hometown in West Yorkshire.
Speaking about the mascot’s creation, Lane said: “It was a lightbulb moment for me. We were bouncing ideas off each other and I latched on to this idea of a teddy bear. I immediately realised there was a huge potential for a mascot beyond the 2D logo”.
It means that this year will be the yellow bear’s 38th birthday.
