Comic Relief, a British charity founded in 1985 by Richard Curtis and Lenny Henry, is dedicated to making people laugh while raising funds to help those in need around the world. With its annual telethon event, Red Nose Day, Comic Relief has become a prominent and highly anticipated event on British television.
The Origin of Comic Relief
Comic Relief was established in response to the devastating famine in Ethiopia. Richard Curtis and Lenny Henry wanted to use the power of comedy to raise money for those affected by the crisis. Since its inception, Comic Relief has been committed to bringing about positive and lasting change in the lives of poor and disadvantaged people.
Comic Relief Logo
The Highlight: Red Nose Day
The highlight of Comic Relief's fundraising efforts is Red Nose Day, an annual telethon held in March. The first live fundraising evening took place in 1986 and featured comedians and pop stars, including Rowan Atkinson, Billy Connolly, and Kate Bush. Since then, Red Nose Day has become a major event on British television, raising billions of pounds for various charitable causes.
During the telethon, viewers are treated to a blend of comedy sketches, musical performances, and heartwarming stories that demonstrate the impact of Comic Relief's work. The generosity of the British public has allowed Red Nose Day and Sport Relief to raise an astonishing £1.4 billion over the years.
Red Nose Day History
Comic Relief's inaugural live fundraising show was staged at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London in 1986. It featured popular alternative comedians and pop stars who came together to entertain and raise funds. One of the most memorable moments in Red Nose Day history was when Lenny Henry went to Ethiopia in 1988 to celebrate the very first Red Nose Day telethon. The event raised an impressive £15 million and attracted over 30 million television viewers.
Making a Lasting Impact
Comic Relief is committed to tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. The charity follows the Golden Pound Principle, ensuring that every single donated pound is spent on charitable projects. All operating costs, such as staff salaries, are covered by corporate sponsors or interest earned on money waiting to be distributed.
This approach has allowed Comic Relief to bring about positive change in the lives of countless individuals and communities. The charity's main supporters are the BBC, BT, Sainsbury's, and British Airways, who provide the necessary resources to make each Red Nose Day a success.
Televised Entertainment
The television programming for Red Nose Day begins in the afternoon, with special reports, money-raising events, and celebrity appearances on CBBC. In the evening, a live show takes over BBC One, featuring a variety of comedy sketches, parodies of popular shows and films, and specially filmed versions of comedy shows. Each hour is overseen by a different celebrity team, all of whom generously donate their time and talents.
Fundraising Successes
Over the years, Comic Relief has achieved incredible fundraising success. The chart below highlights the funds raised through Red Nose Day:
- 1988: £15 million
- 1989: £26.9 million
- 1991: £20 million
- 1993: £18 million
- 1995: £22 million
- 1997: £27 million
- 1999: £35 million
- 2001: £55 million
- 2003: £61.6 million
- 2005: £65 million
- 2007: £67.7 million
- 2009: £82.3 million
- 2011: £108.4 million
- 2013: £100.3 million
- 2015: £99.4 million
- 2017: £82.1 million
- 2019: £70.6 million
- 2021: £61.5 million
- 2022: £41.9 million
- 2023: £31.9 million (telethon donations only)
In total, Comic Relief has raised over £1.1 billion through Red Nose Day, making a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
Spreading the Laughter Worldwide
The success of Comic Relief in the United Kingdom has inspired similar events in other countries. In the United States, Red Nose Day was launched in 2015 and has become an annual event, raising funds for various charitable causes. Australia, Germany, Russia, Finland, Iceland, Belgium, and Ireland have also embraced the concept, organizing their own versions of Red Nose Day to support local charities and initiatives.
Comic Relief continues to bring laughter, joy, and positive change to the world. Through the power of comedy and the generosity of the public, this remarkable charity has made a lasting impact on countless lives. So, put on your red nose, tune in to the telethon, and join the fun and goodwill of Red Nose Day.
