BBC The One Show – Rickshaw Challenge for Children in Need

The national spotlight will fall on Crewe next month when the BBC cameras arrive in town to film The One Show’s 400-mile Rickshaw Challenge for Children in Need.

Each year, The One Show’s Matt Baker cycles across the UK supporting a team of inspiring young riders who have to complete a gruelling eight-day journey by rickshaw – and for the 2019 challenge they will be travelling through Crewe as part of their route from Holyhead to the BBC Elstree Studios.

A TV crew team including presenter Matt Baker will arrive in Crewe Memorial Square on the evening of day four of the challenge on November 11, before departing the following morning.

The town’s slot on national TV comes after exciting plans were unveiled for a spectacular season of lights in the weeks leading up to Christmas – with the return of the eagerly-anticipated Lumen event which attracted more than 11,000 people from across Cheshire and beyond to its sparkling launch night.

When the Rickshaw Challenge team arrive in Crewe it coincides with the town council organised lantern workshop, also taking place in Memorial Square, with all creations made on the day being paraded on the Lumen launch night.

Crewe Town Council has an ongoing campaign to promote leisure-led prosperity and put the area on the map as the go-to town for events with a difference, and the BBC using Crewe as part of the hugely-popular Rickshaw Challenge has cemented the feel-good factor.

Mayor Benn Minshall said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our wonderful town in front of the national TV cameras at a time when Crewe is fast becoming a must-go destination for visitors, particularly with the eagerly-anticipated Lumen spectacular just around the corner.

“It also gives us a chance to come out and support a wonderful charity challenge that has raised millions of pounds for Children in Need.

“I’m sure the people of a Crewe will come out in force to cheer Matt and his team on and show the nation just how special and welcoming our town is.”

This year’s Rickshaw Challenge team consists of six young people aged 17-20 who have all been supported by Children in Need in some capacity and want to give something back.

The first day of the challenge starts on November 8 from Holyhead to Portmeirion, before heading to Machynlleth the following day, then onto Oswestry before arriving in Crewe on November 11.

The team leave Crewe for Matlock Bath on day five before heading to Melton Mowbray, Bedford and then finally Elstree on November 15.

The One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge has raised more than £25 million for BBC Children in Need since its launch in 2011, with donations going on to make a difference to the lives of children and young people across the UK who need it most.

Matt Baker said: “We have a truly inspirational team joining s on the road, and we’re looking forward to seeing all those friendly faces who will be cheering us on from the roadside, as we battle the elements and complete the 400 mile journey from Wales to Elstree.”

Please note that due to the nature of this event there will be a temporary road closure in place around Memorial Square 5-8pm, so we would be grateful if you could choose an alternative route into the town centre.

Public toilet facilities will be provided in Lyceum Square, where the toilets will remain open until 8pm.

Find out more about the free lantern making activity 5-7.30pm with expert lantern makers Same Sky.

Find out more about the BBC Children In Need Rickshaw and follow the journey on its way to Crewe here: https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/shows/the-rickshaw-challenge-2019/

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