BBC’s weatherman Owain Wyn Evans will take part in a challenge for Children in Need to drum constantly for 24 hours to raise money for the children’s charity.
Evans accepted the Drumathon challenge which will start on BBC Breakfast on the morning of Friday 12 November, based at dock10 studios in MediaCity. Salford, with musicians from Salford to Swansea joining in to help spur him on.
Drum kits will be placed around MediaCity with his main stage area in the BBC Philharmonic Studio, where members of the orchestra will join him for special performances.
The challenge will be streamed for 24 hours on BBC iPlayer and will feature moments involving celebrity drummers including Mark Richardson from rock bands Skunk Anansie and Feeder to help rally people to play alongside him. Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), Al Murray (The Pub Landlord) and percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie will all take part in a bid to inspire the weatherman in his challenge to the end.
On Friday evening at 6.55pm, there will be a special BBC One TV performance where the weatherman will be joined by an ensemble of 50 drummers who will lead the country in a performance of the BBC News theme to encourage others to join in.
Representatives from Children in Need projects will air across BBC programmes in a bid to explain how drumming can be utilised as therapy and have a positive impact to help young people across the UK.
Owain Wyn Evans said: “I absolutely love drumming dahlings! Over the years it’s helped me so much, it eases my anxiety and brings me so much joy! That’s why I’ve accepted this mammoth challenge. I want to help change the perception of who can be a drummer, and support all of the amazing charities and groups that BBC Children in Need helps.
“In preparing for the BBC Breakfast Drumathon I’ve learned first hand how BBC Children in Need helps children and young people across the UK from a range of different backgrounds and identities. This is quite literally life-changing and even life-saving stuff. I really hope that together we can raise huge amounts of money for what I think is going to be a monumental challenge. My poor dainty arms!”
Tommy Nagra, Director of Content at BBC Children in Need, added: “The Drumathon will highlight how the power of music can change young lives and the money raised will make a real difference to children and young people experiencing disadvantages right across the UK. Everyone at the charity, including Pudsey, will be cheering Owain on and we wish him the very best of luck!”
BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty added: “Keep on drumming Owain – and I know you’ll keep on smiling too!”
The challenge will begin on BBC Breakfast at 8.35am on Friday 12 November and will end 24 hours later on the same BBC One programme on Saturday 13 November.
