Entertainment
Red Nose Day 2021: What is Comic Relief and how is it different from Sport Relief?
Red Nose Day 2021 is fast approaching as Comic Relief takes the reins this year, following Sport Relief’s efforts in 2020.
The full line-up for Comic Relief 2021, including performances from Justin Bieber and Gabrielle, has now been announced.
But if you still get confused over what Comic Relief is and how it is different to Sport Relief, or why we only celebrate Red Nose Day every other year, then read on.
Here’s all you need to know about the annual fundraising events.
What is Comic Relief?
Every year the nation comes together to raise funds for Comic Relief.
It culminates with a night of comedy and musical performances on BBC One, which takes place on Red Nose Day.
The money raised by RND is spent by Comic Relief on helping people living tough lives across the UK and internationally.
When is Red Nose Day 2021?
Red Nose Day will fall on Friday, March 19 this year. The last one took place on Friday, March 15 2019.
It is a UK-wide fundraising event organised by charity Comic Relief, with the first one celebrated in 1988.
Red Nose Day used to be an event that took place every year but in 2002, Comic Relief and BBC Sport teamed up to create Sport Relief.
The two events – Red Nose Day and Sport Relief – then became biennial with RND falling on odd-numbered years and SR falling on even.
The idea behind Red Nose Day is to don a red nose, get silly and fundraise.
What is Sport Relief then?
Much like Red Nose Day, it is a UK-wide fundraising event organised by Comic Relief.
Rather than the focus being on comedy, the idea is to raise cash by getting active.
A number of sporting events, many involving celebrities, take place in the run-up to a live broadcast on BBC One.
The last Sport Relief took place from Monday, March 9 to Friday, March 13 2020, with the next one scheduled for March 2022.
What events are taking place for Comic Relief 2021?
Radio 1’s 24-hour Lol-a-thon for Red Nose Day returned with Scott Mills, Chris and the Radio 1 family which took place on Thursday, March 11.
Other fundraising efforts this year include professional racing driver and double-leg amputee, Billy Monger, undertaking a gruelling triathlon inspired challenge in February, in support of Red Nose Day.
Over the course of four days, he battled the elements as well as physical and mental exhaustion, as he set out to walk, kayak and cycle a staggering 140 miles.
A documentary on Billy’s incredible journey airs on Thursday, March 19 at 9pm, on BBC One.
The usual Red Nose Day fundraising programme will begin at 7pm on BBC1 on Friday, March 19 and will feature a host of special guests.
Alesha Dixon, David Tennant, Davina McCall, Paddy McGuinness and Sir Lenny Henry will all share presenting duties.
Tennant and Sheen will team up for another instalment of their hit comedy series Staged, while Dawn French is set to return as the Vicar of Dibley in a Comic Relief special.
Benedict Cumberbatch, Dame Judi Dench, Karim Zeroual, Joe Lycett, Mo Gilligan, Roman Kemp and Shappi Khorsandi are also expected to make appearances on the show.
How to donate to Comic Relief
Find out more about how to donate to this year’s cause at comicrelief.com.
You can donate online via donate.comicrelief.com.
MORE : Justin Bieber and Gabrielle performing on Comic Relief 2021 with full line-up revealed
