The Children in Need 2017 Takeover

Thank you SO much for all your donations, auction bids, and fundraising! You have made such a difference to so many lives.

During the Radio 2 Breakfast Show from Monday to Thursday this week, presenter Chris Evans auctioned a record twelve extraordinary packages including tickets to the Ultimate Christmas Party with Rick Astley, Dine and Disco with Take That, tickets to a special show by Peter Kay and a Super Cher VIP Package that offered the top two bidders the opportunity to meet Cher at her show in Las Vegas.

Between 7am and 7pm on Children In Need appeal day, Radio 2 put children at the heart of everything. Each presenter was joined by celebrities from the worlds of children’s TV, music or movies to help them co-host parts of the show, read out text dedications and speak to kids doing something for Children In Need. The celebrities included The Vamps performing live, Craig David, Blue Peter’s Lindsey and Radzi, Jessie Ware, Peppa Pig and Daddy Pig, Nick Grimshaw, plus Matt Baker phoning in to give updates on the Rickshaw Challenge.

A HUGE Thank You to children, staff and volunteers from the following projects around the UK, who selected the music across the day. As Steve Wright say's, "Sometimes it's better if we don't pick the music!".

NEWPIN FAMILY CENTRE, London - Project helps to improve opportunities for families and their young children through support drop-in sessions, play sessions, outings and trips.

SPECIAL FAMILIES, Llynfi Valley, South Wales - Sporting and social activities for children and young people with disabilities

NOTTINGHAM CENTRAL WOMEN’S AID, Nottingham - Provides play sessions and 1-2-1 support to children and young people living in refuge accommodation.

DURNESS DEVELOPMENT GROUP, Durness, Scottish Highlands - Youth group running activities for young people living in an extremely remote & rural area in the Scottish Highlands.

HULL CHILDREN’S UNIVERSITY - Hull Project runs extra-curricular activities and learning opportunities for Looked After children living in Hull.

SKYE & LOCHALSH COMMUNITY CARE FORUM, Isle of Skye and Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland - Weekly support sessions, regular outings and residential breaks for a group of 100 young carers living on Skye and in the Kyle of Lochalsh.

WINSTON’S WISH, Gloucestershire - Project runs 1-2-1 counselling and group activities to support children and young people who are experiencing bereavement.

INCLUSION YOUTH PROJECT, Jersey - Specialist youth clubs, sports and arts activities for disabled children and young people living in Jersey.

DRAKE MUSIC PROJECT NORTHERN IRELAND, Newry, Northern Ireland - Project offering young people with disabilities the opportunity to compose and perform their own music in workshops using assistive technology.

LORAG, Belfast - Youth project for children from diverse cultural backgrounds and inner city areas, providing the opportunity to develop new skills and friendships.

Hear how Children in Need changes the lives of young people.

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Listen to all the stories here

...and revealed what they are doing for Children in Need.

The Chris Evans Breakfast Show auctioned prizes 'money-can't-buy'... the difference being, for Children in Need they could be bought. With the help of some super-celebs there were packages for food lovers, party-goers, sports fanatics, music lovers, plus much more.

Find out how much each auction raised

To everyone who took part, thank you!

On Monday 6 November, Ken Bruce hosted a special Gala Performance of the Oliver award winning show ‘School of Rock’ – The Musical in aid of Children In Need at the New London Theatre along with friends of Radio 2.

Based on the iconic hit movie and with a rocking new score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, 'School of Rock' – The Musical follows slacker and wannabe rock star Dewey Finn turn a class of straight-A 10 year old students into an ear popping, riff scorching, all conquering rock band!