Pudsey goes to the races

On the 4 & 5 November, Down Royal Racecourse will host the annual Northern Ireland Festival of Racing. The festival is in its 12th year and is the highlight of the course’s racing calendar. BBC Children in Need is the charity of choice for the Saturday of the festival and Pudsey bear is gearing up to join in the fun and activities.

Over 7,000 people will be attending the festival and enjoying the seven exciting races on offer. The feature race of the day will be the JNwine.com Champion Chase which has received a record number of entries. Pudsey will be cheering on the horses in his very own race – the Pudsey Maiden Hurdle. Saturday is also Ladies Day at the festival so expect to see lots of fashionable outfits and stylish hats.

An auction will take place in the hospitality area with among others, 4 pieces of art on offer to the highest bidder and all proceeds to BBC Children in Need. There will be pieces from Christine Truema, John McCrea and Katherine Rush , all of whom have featured on BBC NI’s Out of the Blue cultural arts programme. Have a look at the paintings that have been produced so far.

There will be plenty of opportunities to donate to BBC Children in Need on the day so look out for the Text to Donate number and for Pudsey and his friends who will be out and about all day ready to collect your donations.

For further information please visit www.downroyal.com

Be sure to give a Pudsey a wave if you see him there on the day and don't forget to Show your Spots and Let's Raise Lots!