University of Exeter to host BBC South West Children in Need party

Starting at 1.30pm, there will be live feature broadcasts by the BBC Spotlight team on BBC1 as well as live links to the national TV network programme throughout the evening. 

A new national partnership between the BBC, National Union of Students and National Students Fundraising Association (NaSFA) was recently announced. ‘Pounds for Pudsey’ is aimed at getting hundreds of thousands of students involved in raising money for local charities, through BBC Children in Need. The Students’ Guild at the University of Exeter is taking an active role in the Pounds for Pudsey campaign, making Exeter the perfect South West venue for Children in Need 2012.

Jon Bagnall, Vice President Participation & Campuses for Exeter Students’ Guild said: “On behalf of the students here at the University of Exeter we are immensely honoured and proud to be part of an iconic event which aims to raise awareness and support for such a great cause. This event will enable the Guild to showcase not only the volunteering and fundraising work of our students, but of those of each of the universities across the country. We are very excited and can’t wait for students, staff and the local community to be involved in this event and raise money for this worthy cause.”

University of Exeter Chancellor Baroness Floella Benjamin OBE said: “I am so proud that the University of Exeter has been chosen to host the BBC South West Children in Need party. Our students have a fantastic track record for raising money for charities and I know that they will get behind this important and worthwhile cause. My passion has always been inspiring young people and I have campaigned on behalf of children for the past 30 years. Children in Need is a cause that is close to my heart so I am thrilled that the University is supporting it by hosting the South West party for 2012.”

The 2,000-strong BBC Children In Need Choir will involve 15 choirs representing the BBC’s 12 English regions and the Nations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales linking across the UK for a national choral performance.

The South West choir will be made up of 200 children from across Devon, Cornwall and the Channel Islands.  Led by Angela Renshaw, Musical Director of the Holman-Climax Male Voice Choir, the Cornwall Junior Choir and Cornwall Sing-Up Leader, the performance will be staged across the bridges and alongside the Exploration Laboratories in the Forum.

Sarah Snow, Assistant Director for Campus Services (Sales & Events), University of Exeter, commented: “We are delighted that the University has been chosen to host Children in Need South West this year. As well as providing first-class facilities for our students, staff and visitors the Forum was designed as a unique event space. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Forum to celebrate and recognise the achievements of fundraisers across the region.”

As well as showcasing the new Forum building and student engagement work, the University of Exeter will be demonstrating the benefits the institution brings to the region and the high quality research undertaken.  The audience can expect a night of interactive fun and fundraising challenges to include scientific displays and music, dance and sport performances.

Local fundraisers will be encouraged to attend the event by registering their interest at pudseytickets@bbc.co.uk. Tell Pudsey what you’re doing to raise money and how many people in your group would like to come along. Tickets are free.

Juliet Williams, Children In Need’s South West Grants Officer said: “Children In Need is very excited to be working with the University Of Exeter on this year’s party for Pudsey. It’s going to be a fabulous night of celebration with fundraisers and projects from across the South West taking part.”