Children in Need 2022: What to do and what to wear on non-school uniform day this Friday

The annual fundraising and fun day will be capped off by the annual TV special with Pudsey Bear and the nation’s favourite celebrities. So what can you do this Friday?

When is Children in Need 2022?

The annual Children in Need appeal will take place this year on Friday, November 18, 2022. The telethon and comedy special will air on BBC One and iPlayer and is scheduled to run between 7pm and 10pm.

The evening is a showcase of entertainment and appearances by celebrities, touching appeals for funds and stories from those helped by Children in Need. Highlights this year will include music by Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, a round of Blankety Blank by Eastenders actor Bradley Walsh, a game of The Weakest Link hosted by acidic funnyman Romesh Ranganathan, and the return of Graham Norton’s infamous Red Chair.

Viewers will be asked to help transform the lives of children and young people across the UK by donating either through the Children in Need website or over the phone by calling 0345 7 33 22 33. The effort raised £51m last year.

What will schools be doing for Children in Need?

Schools in Sheffield and across the country often make Children in Need a fun day for pupils. Many hold a non-school uniform day with a small donation to take take part. If you’re stuck for what to wear, many schools go for spots or pyjamas as their theme for the day, or else just casual clothes.

Of course, going with official Children in Need or Pudsey Bear clothing is also a good choice. Check with your child’s primary school to see if they are putting any special spin on non-school uniform day.

What is Children in Need 2022’s theme?

The 2021 theme for Children in Need is ‘The Great SPOTacular Appeal Night’. It will focus on encourage families and communities to be ‘SPOTacular’ in their fundraising and think up an on-the-SPOT challenge – like painting nails with spots, baking spotty cupcakes, or the new Pudsey-approved ‘Bear Pong’ game. You can also purchase items to support the cause from the Children in Need online shop.

One of the newcomers to the Children in Need line up of hosts this year is former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore. She said: “Children, young people and families across the UK are facing a multitude of challenges including, poverty, mental health problems, illness, isolation, loneliness and social injustice.

“With your support the British public can donate to help BBC Children In Need fund projects to deliver the right support and guidance for children and young people who need our support, right now. I want the nation to go Spotacular for BBC Children In Need and give what they can to improve the lives for vulnerable children and young people.”

A number of other celebrities are also set to be involved in the campaign, including former Olympic boxer Nicola Adams, 2018 Love Island winner Dani Dyer, and comedian Jason Manford.

The Children in Need charity has raised over £1bn over the years for disadvantaged children and young people. The BBC said the show will be “jam-packed with exclusive sketches, exciting performances, music, dance and a few BIG surprises.”