Led by renowned vocal coach and music arranger, Mark De Lisser, the group of 19 children and young people, will sing the anthemic Take That classic ‘Never Forget.’
One of those individuals is 13-year-old Bethel Tewdros from Newcastle, who moved to the city from Ethiopia with her mum and dad just before she was born.
Bethel attends Triangular CIO, a BBC Children in Need-supported project which offers support to refugees. Bethel takes part in their Podcast Project, and loves music and performing.
Dad Daniel said: “Bethel enjoys meeting other young people at Triangular CIO. She feels valued when contributing ideas and projects, and she loves being an active part of the community.”
On being a part of the choir, Bethel said: “I absolutely love singing and can’t wait to be part of the BBC Children in Need Choir, representing the North-East and Cumbria. Triangular CIO has really supported me and my family and have helped us feel accepted as a refugee family moving to the UK.”
Mark De Lisser, Choir Master said: “Taking part in this project has been such an incredible experience. I’ve had such a brilliant time working with the children in rehearsals and getting to know their stories. They’re an inspirational group of individuals and I can’t wait to show viewers the magic we’ve been creating.”
Special
Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need said: “We are thrilled to be working with Mark again and have him leading our BBC Children in Need Children’s Choir this year. Bringing together children from all parts of the country from projects we’ve funded will no doubt create something quite unique and special. A huge thank you to everyone involved.”
The BBC Children in Need Choir is one of the programme’s most popular features and an extremely emotive and moving moment.
The choir will be supported by children from the Halle Youth Training Choir, with the backing track recorded by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
BBC Children in Need currently funds 61 projects across the North East and Cumbria to the value of nearly £4 million, providing a range of services which support children and young people in the local area who are facing a variety of challenges, helping to make their lives lighter.
Right now, Children in Need is only able to help 1 in 8 organisations who ask for funding. Money raised during the 2024 Appeal will help BBC Children in Need to continue working in communities across the four nations, funding amazing people in family centres, community spaces, youth clubs and refuges; homeless shelters, hospices and helplines.
Tune into BBC Look North (North East and Cumbria) from 11 November to see how preparations are going for Bethel. Watch Bethel perform live with the BBC Children in Need Choir on BBC One and iPlayer from 7pm on Thursday, 15 November.
For more information or to donate, please visit: www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey