The Big Night In will raise money for charities and community projects around the UK.
Children In Need and Comic Relief are joining forces for a TV fundraiser to support vulnerable people during the Covid-19 crisis.
The three-hour Big Night In, to be broadcast on BBC One, will celebrate people who are making a difference in their communities and feature appearances from a host of celebrities and famous faces.
Social distancing guidelines will be observed during the show, with live musical performances being broadcast directly from artists’ homes. Viewers will also have the opportunity to win “money can’t buy” prizes.
All monies raised will be split between Comic Relief and Children In Need to support local charities and community projects dealing with the impacts of coronavirus around the UK.
Charlotte Moore, director of BBC Content, said: “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.”
UK culture secretary Oliver Dowden added: “The Big Night In is a fantastic way to channel the amazing outpouring of generosity we are seeing from the British people. It’s brilliant to see BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief coming together for the first time to ensure help gets to those that need it most, and to celebrate those who are going above and beyond in their communities.
“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.”
The event is being supported by Sainsbury’s, who will match donations given to the appeal by its customers. Shoppers will be able to round up their bill or donate in store and online, with all funds split evenly between Comic Relief and Children In Need.
Nectar points can also be contributed to the fundraising effort, which will run from 9 April till 1 May.
Sainsbury’s CEO Mike Coupe said: “We’re proud to be working with Comic Relief in an effort to help those in need - it is more important than ever to be supporting charities and the crucial work that they do to help the most vulnerable in society.”
The Big Night In will be broadcast on BBC One from 7pm to 10pm on Thursday 23 April.
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