We're delighted to be involved in the Kid's & Characters Day fundraiser taking place September 3rd in Falcon Square Inverness in aid of the STV Children's Appeal!

The Kids & Characters Day is encouraging people to take inspiration from their favourite children's books, TV programmes, stories and films and come along dressed up with a chance to win a prize for the best boy and girl. Running from 11am to 4pm on September 3rd, there's a great line-up of entertainment from Mascot Madness, Spencer Funfair and local children's performance groups throughout the day.

As part of the event, people are being invited to bid for a star auction item - the chance to have a caricature of their child drawn by one of our very own artists, Toronto native Dan Nosella, episodic director on the BAFTA, Emmy and Annie nominated Octonauts and Peabody Award winning Doc McStuffins!

Money raised at the event is to benefit The STV Children's Appeal, which raises funds for Scotland's children living in poverty.

Local STV News reporter Nicola McAlley is organising the Kids & Characters Day.

“We wanted to make it a really fun day out, and try to offer a unique opportunity for a real one-off prize. I had met Damien O'Connor from Brown Bag Films at the XPO North creative industries conferences here in Inverness.  He is based in Ireland so I sent him a message on Twitter and he was delighted to be able to help - he has drafted in their best caricature drawer, Dan Nosella,  so we can't wait to see what he comes up with! It is a wonderful chance to have your child drawn by one of the best artists on the planet while helping this fantastic cause.” - Nicola McAlley

Falcon Square in the city centre will host a bouncy castle and face painting by Mascot Madness, with Spencer Funfair providing fairground rides.

Throughout the day there will be song and dance performances from local groups tying in with the theme, with songs from some of the most-loved children's films and programmes expected to feature in the routines from Performers UK, Eden Court Creative, Step n Stylerz, TFX Performing Arts Academy, Team Love Cheer, Stagecoach and KC Dance Studios.

Characters such as Anna and Elsa, Batman, Spiderman and the Minions are all gathering together to enjoy the day and entertain those who come along and at 2pm there will be a special parade when the best-dressed boy or girl can win a prize courtesy of Smyth's Toy Store.

Details of the caricature auction will be publicised on a special Facebook page set up for the event and bids will continue to be taken up to the 10th September.

If you're in the Inverness area we'd advise you not to miss this fantastic day!

For more information on STV Children's Appeal and how you can donate please visit: www.stv.tv/appeal