Red Nose Day, run by the non-profit Comic Relief Inc., is a fundraiser based in the U.K. that has collected over $1 billion for impoverished children in its 30-year history. Premiering March 24 at 7PM on BBC One, the event promises “one mammoth night of live comedy, sketches, music and much more,” including Ed Sheeran, Russell Brand and Emeli Sande.
The director of “Love, Actually,” Richard Curtis, created Red Nose Day back in 1988. The sequel to his popular 2003 movie — a 10 minute short called “Red Nose Day, Actually” — will air as part of the charity special on Friday featuring most of the original cast like Hugh Grant, Colin Firth and Andrew Lincoln.
The U.S. brought over its own Red Nose Day in just 2015 and returns May 25 on NBC. Funds raised by the American version of the charity (which total over $60 million to date) are split between organizations supporting children both here and in the poorest countries around the world.
Even though it’s only in its third year, Red Nose Day in the States has previously attracted stars like Julia Roberts, Ellen DeGeneres, Will Ferrell and Kobe Bryant. This year’s lineup has yet to be announced. To donate, pick up a nose at Walgreens and Duane Reade stores, fundraise or pledge a dollar amount on the official site.
Donations to the U.K. effort can be made through the purchase of t-shirts, via their website, by starting a fundraising event of your own, and, of course, by buying a nose.
