BBC Worldwide is preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Tweenies with an extensive licensing, music, live event, web and DVD campaign.

The Tweenies launched in September in 1999 and has amassed nearly US$900 million in merchandise sales worldwide. It airs in 65 countries and has attracted more than 1.4 million people to live events in 2007, including sold-out shows in Australia and the UK.

The commercial arm of the BBC is now developing a licensing, DVD, music, magazine and live events program around the party theme that will kick off early next year. BBCW is planning party specials in the Tweenies magazine, DVDs, new product lines, new formats and a 45-venue theatre tour around the UK.

BBC Worldwide is also launching a dedicated website that will house games, songs and tips for hosting Tweenies parties through the year.