TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT - Sleep Out 2012
8 Nov 2012
More than 1,000 people will be sleeping out across the UK to raise awareness of homelessness tonight.
For Centrepoint, we have our biggest Sleep Out ever at Broadgate's Exchange Square in London - 850 people bedding down on cardboard with the aim of raising £250,000.
It looks like it'll be a chilly night with temperatures forecast at just six degrees.
But there's plenty of entertainment on the night to ward off the cold, with comedian Tim Vine delivering his dry one liners, girl band Stooshe performing their latest hits and chart-topper Eliza Doolittle taking to the stage.
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The Thick Of It star Rebecca Front is on hand to read the bedtime story, while the cast of SHREK THE MUSICAL are popping along for a sing-a-long.
Nicholas Parsons is taking Just a Minute to support the sleepers and our ambassadors Sara Cox and Richard Madeley will be on hand to shout about the work we do.
In fact, we've twisted their arms to do a little more this year - they will be joined by presenter Caroline Feraday and 'voice of the X Factor' Peter Dixon to present a THREE HOUR live broadcast of the night with the Media Trust on the Community Channel. Tune in from 8pm. Find out more about Centrepoint's Community Channel broadcast here.
The programme has become a reality thanks to some generous support by homebuilders Taylor Wimpey, which has also raised £70,000 for Centrepoint to date and is sending 130 employees to our flagship event and others around the UK, held as part of the first ever national Sleep Out. There are Centrepoint events in another London location and near our North East service in Durham, as well as partner events in Cardiff, Edinburgh and more. Go to www.sleep-out.org.uk for info.
There are lots more supporters giving more than just a night in the cold. The RAF will again be serving hot food at Broadgate, with the added bonus of breakfast on site this year, and Adot has provided some cosy hats for sleepers.
So, all that's left to say is wrap up warm, have a good night and, if you can't be there on the night, tune in to the Community Channel (Sky 539, Virgin Media 233, Freeview 87, BT Vision)
Thanks in advance for all your support.