91Èȱ¬

91Èȱ¬ Radio 2 will be showing its spots in support of this year's 91Èȱ¬ Children in Need campaign with an exclusive Bon Jovi concert, money-can't-buy prizes auctioned on both Weekend Wogan and The Chris Evans Breakfast Show and will host not one, but two mega music marathon days, where listeners can pledge money for music.

Last year, Radio 2 listeners raised a whopping £1,869,394 for Children in Need, which is hard at work changing the lives of some of the most disadvantaged children right here in the UK.

Bon Jovi fans will have the chance to attend an exclusive gig at the 91Èȱ¬ Maida Vale studios in front of an intimate audience of just 100 people. For those not lucky enough to gain entry, the gig will also be broadcast live on Simon Mayo's Radio 2 Drivetime show on Tuesday 2 November, as the legendary rockers perform some of their greatest hits.

91Èȱ¬ Children in Need legend Sir Terry Wogan will once again be championing the charity by holding an auction of the most exclusive and sought-after prizes.

Among the unique lots in this year's on-air sale, which will take place during Weekend Wogan on Sunday 14 November, are the chance to have lunch with Terry and his special guests and an opportunity for musical maestros to sing live on Weekend Wogan with Elio Pace and the Band.

Fashionistas can bid for a chance to get glamorous with Gok Wan, while would-be master chefs can cook a meal for legendary restaurateur Raymond Blanc. Sporty types can call to pledge to win a game of tennis against some legends of the game and opera buffs can try to win a night at the opera with Britain's favourite tenor, Alfie Boe.

All the family would love to win tickets to the opening night and star-studded aftershow party of Shrek The Musical and listeners can call 0500 221122 for a chance to bid to buy some of these amazing prizes on 14 November.

Chris Evans will once again be offering his listeners the chance to bid to attend his glittering Dine and Disco event. This wonderful weekend will be action packed, including a golf day featuring a clinic with professionals, a sumptuous dinner cooked by Giorgio Locatelli, a DJ set from Mr Evans himself and an intimate gig from a chart-topping act – all taking place at Chris's pub in Surrey.

Previously, the event has featured live music from The Proclaimers, Scouting For Girls and The Feeling. On the Sunday, all the action and the guests move on to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. In addition, Chris is also offering bidders the chance to buy a place in his 2011 Ferrari Rally, where the seven successful bidders get to drive some of the finest sports cars ever made.

And, if that's not enough, the magnificent seven will also get to race up the famous hill climb at Goodwood in these beautiful machines, in front of 150,000 spectators.

Places for both events are extremely limited. Last year, the auction raised £530,000 in just two hours. Some tickets were successfully bid for – anonymously at the time – by well-known faces such as football manager Mick McCarthy.

Chris's auction takes place on Thursday 18 November on the Breakfast Show, between 6.30-9.30am, and listeners can watch this year's outside broadcast again from Chris's back garden, as a part of the Ferrari Rally, via the .

Radio 2 will also be holding two music marathons, where listeners will be able to hear their requests on the radio in exchange for a donation to Children in Need.

The first mini marathon will take place on Sunday 14 November and listeners can get dedications for dosh in both Johnnie Walker's and Paul O'Grady's extended shows.

91Èȱ¬ Children in Need day, on Friday 19 November, will be the date for the second music marathon. All Radio 2 shows from 7am-7pm will be dedicated entirely to playing listeners' songs and requests, as long as they pledge to donate to the children's charity.

The special request telephone line for viewers to call and donate is 0500 221122*.

Bob Shennan, Controller Radio 2 and 6 Music, said: "Radio 2 listeners have always taken Children in Need to their hearts and we feel confident that this year we will still be able to rely on their generous support."

Notes to Editors

Further information and about how to enter the Bon Jovi competition, along with full terms and conditions, can be found on the from 5.15pm on Monday 25 October.

Further information and terms and conditions about the auction prizes will be available on the 48 hours before the auction begins.

Further information about 91Èȱ¬ Children in Need can be found on the .

* Calls are free from most landlines. Some networks and mobile operators will charge for these calls.

91Èȱ¬ Radio 2 Publicity