Children in Need 2024: Everything you need to know

It's Children in Need day! And we want to hear about YOUR plans...

Every year in November, Children in Need is broadcast by the BBC to raise money for charities that help children in the UK.

The show usually includes three hours of comedy, music and surprise guests all trying to raise as much money as possible.

And, we know lots of you might be getting involved either individually or at school, so we want to know all about your plans. Let us know in the comments below.

When is it on?

This year's show is on Friday 15 November

This year the show is on Friday 15 November and it starts at 7pm.

The evening promises to be full of heart and sparkle and will be broadcast live from MediaCity UK in Salford (close to Newsround's home).

Who are this year's hosts?

This year there will be quite a few hosts throughout the night

This year there will be quite a few hosts throughout the night.

Lenny Rush, Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay and Chris Ramsey will all present the jam-packed evening.

It will be the first time Vernon Kay has presented the show.

He said: "I’m going to be wearing my lucky underpants on the night, that’s for sure."

What can you expect to see?

You will be able to see a preview of this year's Doctor Who Christmas special

Like every year, the BBC have got lots of exciting performances and sketches scheduled to fill the night.

For the first time, the BBC Children in Need Choir will feature children from across all parts of the UK who’ve been supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects - they will be singing the Take That classic 'Never Forget'.

For Doctor Who fans there is an out-of-this-world special treat in the form of a special auction AND a preview of this year's Doctor Who Christmas special.

Of course, the BBC's Gladiators will be paying a visit but "as you've never seen them before", the organisers say.

The Strictly Come Dancing professionals will be joined by a "global superstar", famous faces will be trying to make a group of children laugh, and there will also be a special performance from the cast of circus spectacular Come Alive! The Greatest Showman.

Ella Henderson is also performing

As well as all that, singer Ella Henderson will perform and there will be a special CBeebies Bedtime Story.

And some CIN content has already started.

BBC radio station presenters and journalists across the UK are swapping studios for swimming pools and taking on The Thousand Mile Swim for Children in Need.

They have formed swim teams to swim 24-miles each, which will add up to the 1,000-mile total.

The history of Children in Need

Children in Need first began in 1980 and was presented by Dame Esther Rantzen, Sue Lawley and Sir Terry Wogan.

Sir Terry then went on to present the show until 2014 - for 30 years.

The first broadcast of the show was very successful and raised £1,000,000 for charity.

Pudsey Bear hasn't always been yellow!

Pudsey Bear, the well known mascot, wasn't introduced until 1985.

And he looked a little different - he had brown fur instead of the yellow fur he has today.

What are you doing to get involved?

Is your school getting involved with Children in Need this year?

Money raised during the 2024 appeal will help BBC Children in Need to continue working in communities across the UK.

The show helps raise money for young people in lots of different circumstances, including those in poverty, children with disabilities and illnesses, children who have gone through distress or trauma and those dealing with mental health issues.

So, whether you're putting on a bake sale, have planned a big challenge or are holding an event - we want to hear from you.

Let us know what you or your school will be getting up to in the comments below!