The BBC’s big fundraiser is back

A BIG night of fundraising lies ahead for BBC Radio Shetland on Friday as it prepares for its annual Children in Need marathon broadcast.

The five hour show runs from 7pm until midnight and will showcase some of the best live music in Shetland.

Last year the station raised an amazing £22,000, almost half of which was made in the popular auction. In return, Children in Need brought £58,100 back into Shetland to support local projects. 

Over £54,000 has gone to support the Befriending Project for young people with learning disabilities living in rural areas of Shetland.

A further £4,000 goes to Voluntary Action Shetland for welfare grants to pay for clothing, bedding and Christmas presents for disadvantaged children across Shetland. 

Heaps of items have been pouring in from all over the isles to be auctioned off during the evening. A list can be found here, though they are still arriving in the build up to the broadcasting event of the year.

Getting the party going at 7pm is Young Fiddler of the Year Callum Watt, then Eunice Henderson and Birls Aloud will be along with some fine tunes.

Arthur Nicolson is doing a spot, as are the Trookers.

The Shelia Henderson Band are dropping in along with the Jim Halcrow Dance Band.

After 10pm Hom Bru take to the airwaves and then Vair will finish the night.

Radio Shetland senior producer John Johnston said: “The generosity of people and the support the community gives to the appeal continues to amaze us all at Pitt Lane.”

You can see all the items for sale on the BBC Radio Shetland Facebook page.