Barlow to launch BBC charity gig

Gary Barlow will lead the line-up of performers at the annual event

Take That singer Gary Barlow will stage a concert at the Royal Albert Hall to kick off the BBC's Children In Need annual charitable event.

"I can promise a night to remember, a night that will, I hope, play a small part in changing the lives of disadvantaged children," Barlow said.

Take That will perform at the concert, along with other acts, but a full line-up has not been announced yet.

All proceeds made from the gig will be donated to Children In Need.

"It's fantastic to be able to kick off BBC Children in Need 2009 in such a special way," Barlow said.

BBC One controller Jay Hunt said fans can expect the "very best of British musicians" to participate.

Travel challenge

A special series of Around The World In 80 Days will also help raise money for the event.

Six pairs of celebrities, including Frank Skinner, Myleene Klass and John Barrowman will re-enact the travels of Phileas Fogg - and Michael Palin.

The BBC said the team must "pass on the baton in the ultimate relay race, undertaken non-stop, in real time".

During their journeys each celebrity will be raising money and will bring home items to be sold at auction in aid of the charity.

Children In Need was launched in 1980 and has become widely recognised through its mascot - a yellow teddy bear with a bandage over one eye called Pudsey.

In 2008, the BBC Children in Need Appeal raised more than £36 million.

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