BBC Children in Need raised more than £30m on Friday night during its annual telethon on BBC One and iPlayer, the charity confirmed as the live broadcast from Salford drew to a close. The total covered donations pledged by viewers during the evening and money raised by schools, workplaces and community groups. Organisers said further donations would push the final figure higher in the coming weeks.

The appeal night, fronted by Pudsey Bear, has been a fixture of the BBC calendar since 1980 and is traditionally held on a Friday in mid-November. The charity has raised more than £1.4bn over its lifetime, according to its published accounts. Recent appeal nights have consistently cleared £30m, with the 2024 broadcast raising about £39m on the night.

The programme combined comedy sketches, musical performances and specially filmed segments from BBC shows, including appearances from the Strictly Come Dancing cast. Interspersed films highlighted projects funded by the charity across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A spokesperson for Children in Need said the money would support young people facing poverty, mental health difficulties, disability and caring responsibilities.

The charity said demand on the projects it funds had risen as families continued to feel the effects of high living costs. Its leadership has repeatedly warned that grant applications far outstrip the money available. The BBC said the appeal remained one of its most-watched live entertainment events of the year.

Children in Need's annual cycle now runs alongside Comic Relief, the BBC's other major telethon, which holds a full Red Nose Day broadcast every year. The charity is expected to announce an updated total, including late donations and Gift Aid, in the new year.