CAN Young Artists performed at a special BBC Children in Need Supporter Day at BBC's MediaCity in Salford this September. The day featured groups of children and young people who have benefited from BBC Children in Need funding.
The day celebrated the thousands of people across the UK who fundraise for BBC Children in Need throughout the year, culminating in the charity’s long-running and much-loved fundraising night broadcast in November.
The supporter day included clips from the TV show, interviews, speeches and awards.
BBC presenter, Donna McCabe, led a Q&A with young people supported by BBC Children in Need funding. CAN Young Artists joined the conversation alongside Creative Producer Michelle Udogu and CAN’s Co-CEO/Creative Director Anna Vu Thompson, who spoke about the project’s vision and how it helps the group celebrate and develop their creativity and support them to realise their ambitions.
CAN Young Artists performed two songs, plus poetry, spoken word and percussion.
The group received a goodie bag and posed for photos with Pudsey Bear, the BBC Children in Need mascot and were photographed on the famous BBC Breakfast sofa. It was a heartwarming day.
As CAN Young Artists performed and shared their stories many in the audience were moved to tears. Supporters were keen to learn more about the project’s impact, and we’re delighted to be inviting them to see the group perform at our sharing of CAN Young Artists’ newest project, The Bazaar, at Contact this December.
“We were delighted to welcome staff and young people from Community Arts North West to our Supporter Day this September. For our supporters, seeing the real impact of their donations is incredibly important, and CAN is a wonderful example of how young people can be inspired, empowered and given opportunities to thrive when funding reaches the communities that need it most.”
Emma Douglas, Supporter Experience Manager, BBC Children in Need
The group came away buzzing from a day that celebrated their achievements:
“It was an emotional day — coming together, performing with new people and sharing my truth publicly.”
“Today was amazing — the whole vibe, being here altogether.”
“There was so much positive energy today.”
“The BBC Children in Need team were so welcoming. It was a chance to share how much CAN has impacted all of us with a wider audience. I feel appreciated — it was a really nice day. I feel super happy.”
“I enjoyed everything today — the music, the people. It was perfect.”
Huge thanks to BBC Children in Need for the funding, and to the many supporters across the UK whose generosity makes projects like ours possible.
Take a look at photos from the day here.
Photos by Amos Ogunyemi
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