Stars pack Telethon opening extravaganza

Stars line up for the grand opening of Telethon 2012. Picture: John Koh

Telethon 2012 is underway.

Hip-hop dance and music group Justice Crew kicked off the 45th Telethon - the biggest charity television event of the year.

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Stars lined up for Channel 7's grand Telethon opening at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre earlier this evening. They included X Factor star Johnny Ruffo, this year's Australia's Got Talent winner Andrew De Silva and old favourite Daryl Braithwaite.

Telethon 2012 will run for 26 hours, supported by 1500 volunteers and dozens of Channel 7 stars.

International star Sir Elton John will perform on Telethon tonight after his concert at Perth Arena.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard kick-started donations tonight with a pledge of $1.5 million from the Federal Government.

Host Basil Zempilas headed the first Telethon panel tonight, along with Ian "Molly" Medrum, Kerri-Anne Kennerly, George Houvardas, Dan Ewing and Melissa Bergland.

Telethon has raised more than $117 million for WA children's hospitals since the event started in 1968. Last year's record total of $13.4 million is expected to be beaten.

The event will be broadcast on Channel 7 throughout tonight until the finale at 8.30pm tomorrow.

Andrew De Silva was part of the opening festivities. Picture: John Koh

Daryl Braithwaite on stage at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Picture: John Koh

Justice Crew at Telethon 2012. Picture: John Koh

The Telethon Dancers perform at the grand opening. Picture: John Koh