±«Óãtv

Some of the biggest names in rock and pop music will be flying in to Belfast for a special massive one-off gig in the Odyssey Arena tomorrow tonight (Friday 19 November), in aid of this year's ±«Óãtv Children In Need.

Westlife, The Script and Jedward will be performing in front of a crowd of over 7,000. Also confirmed for the gig are Twist and Pulse, General Fiasco, Caro, The Overtones and Hayley Westenra.

The massive concert is being hosted by John Daly and ±«Óãtv Radio 1's Reggie Yates.

This year, viewers in Northern Ireland will enjoy the show live from ±«Óãtv Television Centre, presented by Sir Terry Wogan and Tess Daly, joining up with gigs across the United Kingdom, including the Odyssey Arena at key moments throughout the night, sharing some fantastic live music from Northern Ireland, as well as showing how money raised from last year's appeal has been spent locally.

Tickets, for the Odyssey Arena concert, being tipped as the hottest gig in town, were all snapped up in hours.

However, viewers can tune in to the gig live on ±«Óãtv Radio Ulster in the company of Ralph McLean and Lynette Fay, from 7pm.

And on Saturday (November 20), ±«Óãtv Northern Ireland will show a special one-hour highlights programme from the Odyssey Arena gig.

Children In Need Rocks The Odyssey is on ±«Óãtv One Northern Ireland at 5.30pm.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow night's massive gig, John Daly said: "I am delighted to be part of Children in Need again this year, as it's always a huge thrill to be part of a great night of live entertainment and what a fantastic line-up of artists we have performing on stage.

"We want as many people as possible to get on the phone and call in and pledge money for this year's appeal. I know that there is not as much money around at the moment but every penny raised goes to projects here in Northern Ireland so this is a real opportunity to make a huge difference to the lives of children and young people throughout Northern Ireland. The Children in Need here have never been more in need – so get dialling!"

Reggie Yates added: "Being involved in Children in Need is a massive honour and the fact my involvement has a heavy music lean makes it all the more special. Apologies in advance to everyone at the Odyssey Arena for my really bad singing along to The Script!"

Earlier in the week, ±«Óãtv Northern Ireland presenters took over Belfast restaurant – 27 Talbot Street – in a bid to raise as much money as possible for the appeal.

For one night only, Stephen Nolan led his hospitality "dream team" as he assumed the position in the kitchen as Head Chef. Stephen was tasked with creating his own menu and delivering three delicious courses for 70 hungry diners.

Joining Stephen as maître d' for the night was Alan Simpson, who worked his charm on diners as they arrived for the evening's entertainment.

A veritable feast of "expert" waiting and bar staff, including Kim Lenaghan, Cecilia Daly and Barra Best, with Noel Thompson acting as official paparazzo, completed this hospitality dream team. Highlights from the evening will be shown on tonight's television programme.

Throughout the week, ±«Óãtv Radio Ulster presenters have been supporting the appeal with updates on mad-cap fundraising events and how the money was spent locally to help projects across Northern Ireland during last year.

Hugo Duncan launched his on-air auction on Monday, which runs until Friday 19 November, which last year raised over £27,000 for the appeal and which, to date, has raised £11,719.

Hugo will also be hosting his show with guest performers live from Studio A, ±«Óãtv Blackstaff Studios on Friday from 1.30-3pm, in the company of Jimmy Buckley, Crystal Swing, Warren Smyth, Tony Kerr, Boxcar Brian, Kenny Archer and Nathan Carter.

Last year on the night, in Northern Ireland alone, Children in Need raised over £623,000 for local projects. Thanks to the amazing generosity of the public across the UK, a record-breaking total of over £39 million was raised, of which £3.2m was used to fund over 200 projects throughout Northern Ireland.

To make a donation to Children in Need either call: 0345 7 33 22 33 (standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply) or log on to the .

CC