The One Show is set to arrive in Bolton for this year’s highly-anticipated Christmas lights switch on as star presenters Matt Baker and Alex Jones will rickshaw across the UK for Children in Need.
The event, taking place on Monday November 11, will see the show visit the town as part of the eight-day Rickshaw Challenge.
In aid of BBC Children in Need, the challenge will see five young people pedal a rickshaw across all four UK nations, covering approximately 700 miles in the process.
Baker, who raised more than £1million completing a similar challenge in 2011, will cycle alongside the youngsters, acting as a mentor on their gruelling journey.
They will also be riding with partners, one of which will be Jones, who said she expects the challenge to be ‘one of the toughest things I’ve ever done’.
She added: “Having supported the Rickshaw Challenge before, I know first-hand what a difference the public support can make, so we’re urging the people of Bolton to get behind us and come out to the streets to cheer us on!
“The Christmas lights are always a brilliant occasion, so it’s fantastic that we’re able to combine it with such a wonderful cause.”
The Rickshaw Challenge has raised more than £3.5million since it began and, with the increased distance of this venture, everyone involved is hoping that a lot more money will be added to the total.
Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Cliff Morris, said: “We’re really excited to welcome Matt, Alex and all the young riders to Bolton.
“The Rickshaw Challenge is an amazing challenge which raises millions of pounds for Children in Need and we are thrilled that the One Show is visiting our town and that they have agreed to flick the switch for us this year.
“We’d like to urge as many people as possible to come to the switch on and be part of the amazing atmosphere of the live broadcast.”
The Christmas lights switch on will begin at 6pm on Monday November 11, with The One Show airing from 7-7.30pm on BBC One.
Image courtesy of Frank Green via Flickr, with thanks.
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