On Friday 17th, November 2017, Young People from Bolton Lads & Girls Club (BLGC) were invited along to the live filming of BBC Children In Need at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.
After filling our empty bellies with a cheeky stop over at McDonalds, we were skipping with excitement as we made our way in to Manchester City Centre. The bright lights, buildings that were as high as the moon and a festive like atmosphere filled our surroundings. In a environment that was not so familiar to our Young People, Luca who had joined us on this adventure, could only describe it as something he had seen in a Hollywood film set in the glitz’s of New York City.
We arrived at half five on the dot, punctual as always, we were so proud and bursting with eagerness to hopefully get a glimpse of Pudsey Bear himself but fate had other ideas as we were held up in a que to get our belongings checked and cleared. We weren’t going to let that dampen our spirits as after what felt like an eternity, we made it inside to the space that was converted into a make shift studio.
We thought we had walked in to a different dimension as a gigantic Darlek out of Doctor Who greeted us along with a Weeping Angel. As impressive as they were, it was no surprise what bought a huge cheer as they were thrilled to see Pudsey himself.
We watched in awe has the lights camera action all took centre stage and were amazed at the angelic sounds from the Amazing Manchester Choir who serenaded us all with their version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow
To top of the night, one of our Young People, Corey, was even interviewed on live TV by presenter Roger Johnson. Without shying away or showing any signs of nerves, Corey very expertly spoke live to the nation of Britain about how wonderful his Mentor was.
It truly was a night to remember for so many reasons, meeting Pudsey Bear and being live on TV was the icing on the cake. We all had a wonderful night and thank Children In Need for supporting the amazing Mentoring Service.
