Archive Council News

25.10.05

Pudsey returns to rock Wrexham!

BBC Wales has confirmed that its main BBC Children in Need concert will return to Wrexham this year, on Friday, November 18, for another star-studded night of music, entertainment and fun.

The concert is presented in conjunction with Wrexham County Borough Council and Airbus UK remains on board as the main sponsor of the event.  Party for Pudsey will be held on Llwyn Isaf Green in the heart of the town centre, and will be transformed into a 6,000 capacity arena for the occasion. The night promises performances by some of the top names in pop and rock music.

A host of familiar faces and voices are preparing to join in the fun of Party for Pudsey. Presenters Jason Mohammad and Josie D’Arby are the hosts on BBC One Wales, with Alan Thomson and Karen Vincent bringing the live event on Radio Wales, whilst James Fox takes time off from his hit Broadway Musical to team up with Howard Griffiths as the masters of ceremonies at the concert itself.

The Wrexham concert will be featured on BBC ONE and BBC One Wales television at various times during the seven hour long transmission which is a milestone in the television calendar.

Last year, international star Bryan Adams truly rocked Wrexham in a sensational performance that thrilled the audience. The crowds were also treated to great performances by Wet Wet Wet, Katherine Jenkins, Lisa Stansfield, Lisa Scott-Lee and Dragonheart.

This year, producers are again keeping tight-lipped about the actual line-up but are promising another sensational night of top-quality performances. Details of the confirmed acts will be released in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the concert are free and will be available from Monday, November 7 onwards. Details of how they can be obtained will be revealed closer to the date.

Isobel Garner, Chief Executive of Wrexham County Borough Council says:

"The Council is absolutely delighted to welcome Party for Pudsey back to Wrexham and to be working alongside BBC Wales and fellow sponsors Airbus UK again this year. Supporting activities for children, young people and families is one of the Council’s top priorities and being able to work with the BBC to stage a concert of this magnitude and professionalism is something that goes a long way to achieving that aim."

Phil Swash, Vice President, Broughton Operations, Airbus UK says:

"Airbus is, once again, delighted to support an event, which proved to be such a tremendous success last year. BBC Children in Need is a charity the workforce raises money for each year, as well as for many other local and national charities.

"With the concert taking place so close to our factory, many of our workforce, their families and neighbours who enjoyed last year's concert will, no doubt, look forward to this year's event. It is a great privilege for us to help make it possible for a second year."

BBC Children in Need has already awarded grants totaling more than £2.6 million – the largest sum ever – to registered charities, voluntary and community groups in Wales in 2005.

Marc Phillips, National Co-ordinator, BBC Children In Need in Wales, says the grants will have a real impact on young people’s lives:

"Those who organized fund raising activities or gave a donation last year should be exceptionally proud of themselves. The need is great and this support has ensured that more money than ever can be used to improve the lives of suffering and disadvantaged children and young people across Wales. I’m confident that this year’s campaign, and the Wrexham concert itself will be as successful as last year."

For more information visit bbc.co.uk/pudsey and bbc.co.uk/wales/northeast.