BBC Children in Need is the BBC’s UK charity, and its annual appeal is one of the biggest fundraising days in the British calendar. Since the first televised appeal in 1980 it has raised well over £1 billion for projects that support children and young people across the UK who are facing disadvantage, disability, illness, poverty or trauma. The charity’s mascot, Pudsey Bear, with his spotted bandana, is recognised by almost every child in the country.
The appeal builds through the autumn with challenges on BBC radio and television, fundraising in schools and workplaces, and the release of an official single, before the live appeal show on the Friday night. Grants are then awarded to local charities and community groups. Details of the 2026 show, fundraising packs and where the money goes are on the official BBC Children in Need website.