BARNARDO’S KIDSMAS LIVE READY TO GO! FEATURING DEV GRIFFIN AND TROY THE MAGICIAN

Barnardo’s Kidsmas Live will take place tomorrow, 1st December. The festive concert will be held at Birmingham Town Hall and livestreamed across the nation at 7pm. Special guests include children’s choirs from across the UK, Dev Griffin as host and Troy “The Magician” Von Scheibner. Kidsmas Live will raise vital funds for Barnardo’s at a time when its services have been under pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to help it protect, support and nurture the UK's most vulnerable children and young people this Christmas. Kidsmas Live is powered by Vodafone as part of its ongoing partnership with Barnardo’s. Kidsmas Live comes as the UK realises the full impact of the pandemic on charities, families and children. The Charities Commission reports that as many as 60% of charities have seen a loss of income due to the impact of the pandemic; and a third (32%) have said they’ve experienced a shortage of volunteers1. In the last two years, Barnardo’s and its partners have reached 382,872 children, young people, parents and carers through its Covid-19 response programme, one-to-one support, children’s centres and family hubs and its school-based programmes. Kidsmas Live will feature performances from children’s choirs from around the UK, including Merthyr Tydfil - Young Carers, Bromsgrove School, Olive Hill Primary in Dudley and Downe House in Thatcham. They will be joined by broadcaster and Heart DJ Dev Griffin as Kidsmas Live host; and Troythe Magician who will wow the audience with the tricks and illusions that have seen him become one of the hottest names in magic. Sign up for the livestream here. Kidsmas Live host Dev Griffin said: “I’m so excited to be hosting the Barnardo’s Kidsmas Live concert this year. Barnardo’s do amazing work supporting vulnerable children and young people across the UK. This concert is going to be the perfect event to get you and your family in the festive spirit, while raising money for an amazing cause. So whether you’re joining us in person or join us online, I can’t wait to see you there!” Troy the Magician said: “After a challenging two years, I’m proud to be back on stage and helping support such a vital cause. Christmas is such an amazing time of year, but with many families facing challenges due to the impact of Covid-19, this Christmas is more important than ever. Join us at Kidsmas Live to kick off the festive season and help support those in need.” Kidsmas Live is powered by Vodafone as part of its ongoing partnership with Barnardo’s. This partnership includes The Great British Tech Appeal which asks the public and businesses to donate unwanted smartphones and tablets, Vodafone adds the connectivity and Barnardo’s distributes the tech to those who are digitally excluded. To date, Tech Appeal has connected more than 7,500 people. Interim Co-CEO Michelle Lee-Izu at Barnardo’s said: “We’re thrilled that the Barnardo’s Kidsmas Live Concert, powered by Vodafone, is returning in person this year to kick off Christmas. Join us – either in person or virtually - for a festive singalong with some very special guests and help support our work to ensure vulnerable children are safe, supported and cared for at Christmas, and all year round.” Ahmed Essam, CEO, Vodafone UK said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Barnardo’s Kidsmas Live once again, it is such a special event. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported our Great British Tech Appeal so far, and for anyone with smartphones or tablets they no longer need, please send them to us. With your help, we can connect more people and give the gift of connection this Christmas.” The Great British Tech Appeal is part of Vodafone’s commitment to connect one million people by the end of 2022. To find out more and to donate devices please visit www.vodafone.co.uk/everyone-connected.