More than 2.5 million Leva (EUR 1.2 million) was raised after the end of the charity show from the Bulgarian Christmas initiative, which took place at the Ivan Vazzov National Theatre in Sofia last night, the presidential press service has announced.

• Bulgarian Christmas charity campaign to close with solemn concert tonight

The 21^st campaign, under the patronage of the president, took place under the motto Give a Suffering Child Hope in support of paediatric surgery. Every year, 550 children receive donations, and some 25 hospitals in all parts of the country are provided with high-tech medical equipment.

The concert featured some of Bulgaria's favourite songs, to the accompaniment of the Bulgarian National Radio’s Symphony Orchestra. The event was attended by President Rumen Radev and his wife Desislava Radeva, representatives of various state institutions, diplomats, campaign ambassadors, doctors and the children who have been helped by the Bulgarian Christmas.