Yahoo News Comic Relief and Children In Need join forces for The Big Night In fundraiser
Comic Relief and Children In Need are joining forces for the first time ever for The Big Night In.
The BBC has announced a three hour live broadcast of entertainment and fundraising on Thursday April 23rd in response to the coronavirus crisis.
Charlotte Moore from the BBC says: "BBC One will bring the nation together for this special one off live charity event. I would like to thank both BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief for joining forces in these unprecedented times to provide their support to local charities, projects and programmes across the whole UK; and to all of the stars taking part in this unmissable night of entertainment when the country needs it most."
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The Big Night In aims to offer viewers “light relief and entertainment", whilst simultaneously “celebrating the acts of kindness, humour and the spirit of hope and resilience that is keeping the nation going” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
BBC charities @BBCCiN and @ComicRelief team up to celebrate the UK’s community spirit and resilience with #TheBigNightIn a special live night of television on @BBCOne - 23 April from 7pm: https://t.co/KkOv6OT6rs pic.twitter.com/tm6WuCmW3q
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) April 7, 2020
The BBC promise a “star-studded” show offering cheer and support to a nation in lockdown, along with live music performances via video link-up.
The event is described as “famous faces coming together (whilst safely apart) to do what they can for those that deserve something special.”
Viewers will be offered the opportunity to donate to help support vulnerable people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK who will be significantly impacted by the crisis. Funds raised on the night will be split equally between BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief to provide essential support to local charities, projects and programmes across the UK to help those most in need.
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UK culture secretary Oliver Dowden said: "The Big Night In is a fantastic way to channel the amazing outpouring of generosity we are seeing from the British people. We're working with the BBC and others to ensure this event is a huge success. As government develops further measures, we will work together to coordinate our efforts in the battle against coronavirus and remind everyone to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives."
Ruth Davison from Comic Relief added: "Throughout this extraordinary time the kindness and community spirit of people across the country has been outstanding. The Big Night In is the perfect opportunity to praise the heroes who are caring for us, feeding us, and lifting our spirits as we continue to help people most in need."
The Big Night In will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer on Thursday April 23rd from 7pm - 10pm.
