The BBC's first ever broadcast appeal for children was a five-minute radio broadcast on Christmas Day in 1927.
The response was phenomenal and it raised a massive £1,143, which was split between four children's charities!
The first televised appeal was in 1955, presented by Sooty and Harry Corbett and continued as a Christmas Day Appeal until 1979, one year after Sir Terry Wogan made his debut appearance on the show. The show took on its telethon format the following year and broke the £1 million donation barrier for the first time. 1985 saw the introduction of the much loved and now truly symbolic Pudsey bear, and since those early days and small beginnings an astounding £600 million has been raised.
But still the need to support Children in Need continues. Happily this is never a chore, as the nation is annually caught up in the spirit of the event, dreaming up bigger, better and wackier ways of fundraising each year.
Baking is high on the agenda this year, with The Blue Peter Appeal asking for people to Bake a Difference by running bake sales - a simple yet effective form of fundraising that every school, workplace or organisation can get involved in to do their bit.
Also following the baking theme is the biggest ever digital supercake on Facebook! You can add layers to this very special cake simply by donating via the Facebook page.
This year's official Children in Need day is Friday 18th November 2011. If you haven't organised a fundraising event yet, it’s not too late. Sponsored walks, swims and silences are tried and tested as successful. Why not make them that bit more fun with fancy dress, walking backwards or 'swimming' in a bath of baked beans?
Any opportunity to make your boss or teacher look silly will always go down well. And leg and chest waxing for donations is a crowd puller in the pub! Be as outrageous or as traditional as you like, just keep it safe, fun and legal!
For events and ideas visit the official Children in Need website.
Children in Need Rocks Manchester
Manchester's big draw has got to be Children in Need Rocks Manchester. Gary Barlow brings some of the biggest and best names from the music world to the MEN Arena on Thursday 17th November with a line up that includes Coldplay, JLS, Snow Patrol, Michael Buble, Elbow, Lady Gaga and many more! Hosted by Fearne Cotton, Chris Moyles and David Tennant - Mr Barlow has also hinted that he may be persuaded to belt out a tune himself!
For more details see thebestof Manchester's Events Page.
However you decide to spend it, whether you actively fundraise or just donate this year’s Children in Need promises once again to be bigger, better and offer great fun for everyone.