First ever Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards UK confirmed

From Digital Spy:

First Kids' Choice Awards UK confirmed

Nickelodeon has announced details of the first ever Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards UK.

In its 20th year in the US, the event has been massively popular on the channel with a global audience in excess of 205 million, but this is first time the UK will host its own prize giving.

The awards, which are voted for by Nickelodeon viewers, will be held at the Excel Centre in London on Saturday October 20. Nominees will be announced in July.

Howard Litton, senior vice president and managing director of Nickelodeon UK, said: "We are proud to be bringing the Kids' Choice Awards to the UK for the first time this year. Nickelodeon is dedicated to making and commissioning the very best in high quality and innovative entertainment. Our viewers deserve the biggest and best event in children’s television, we're going to deliver a spectacular live event on stage and on TV."

The UK event will be produced by Nickelodeon UK and the team behind the MTV Europe Music Awards. Debbie Phillips will executive produce, working with producer Daniel Baldwin and director Phil Heyes. All talent bookings are being spearheaded by MTV Networks International head of celebrity talent, James Dearlove in the UK, and Andrea Fair in the US.

All tickets to the event will be free, courtesy of Nickelodeon UK. Kids and guests will be able to win tickets, including VIP passes, throughout the summer and autumn season via Nickelodeon and associated partnerships.

Last year, Italy launched its first ever Kids Choice Awards in Milan, and later this year Nickelodeon in Australia, Germany and Holland will join London in hosting their own special events.