Ellie Hutchings
If you're wondering where to buy red noses this year, we've got you covered - plus we have everything to know about this year's Comic Relief telethon.
The Comic Relief charity was founded in 1985 by comedy scriptwriter Richard Curtis and comedian Sir Lenny Henry. Created in response to the famine in Ethiopia, the charity's Red Nose Day appeal brings the nation together with entertainment from some of TV's best talent. Since Red Nose Day started, there have been several unforgettable moments - the mini Love Actually sequel in 2017 is very high on the list. The George Michael and James Corden car singalong became one of the show's most watched moments. Both of Sacha Baron Cohen's alter egos have made appearances on the show, with unforgettable Ali G and Borat sketches going down in history.
The 2024 Comic Relief extravaganza is nearly here, with Lenny Henry, Joel Dommett, Davina McCall, Paddy McGuinness, Romesh Ranganathan, David Tennant, Maya Jama and Rosie Ramsey set to host. One sketch to get really excited about, will be The Traitors: The Movie, while the cast of a famous TV show will come back together to find Sir Lenny's replacement for next year, after he announced he'll be stepping away from presenting. Look out for teen darts sensation Luke Littler, and the stars of the hit Gladiators reboot will be flexing their muscles. To make sure you've got your red nose ahead of the big night, we share where you can buy one this year.
Where can you buy red noses in 2024?
Red noses can be purchased directly from the Comic Relief shop, or can be bought from Amazon. While the nose for 2023 was designed by former chief design officer at Apple, Sir Jony Ive, 2024 will see the public in with a chance of receiving one of a possible five designs when they buy their nose.
When buying online, which one you get is random. You could end up with Gigglesworth, McChortles, Smirklethorpe and Lol E Pops, all of whom follow in last year's red nose footsteps by being made from plant-based materials and recyclable. The fifth nose in the collection is extremely rare. Named the Golden Hooter, there's only a one in 166 chance of landing this sacred nose.
The Gigglesworth Nose is said to be a fundraising legend who cries with laughter. Full of fun and giggles, innate cuteness is also part of this Nose's personality. Gigglesworth is the cuddliest of the Red Noses, but you're warned not to snuggle him too hard, because there could be snotty consequences...!
McChortles is the livewire of the Noses. With his full title being Chortle McChortleface III, the name has been shortened to make life easier for everyone! McChorltes loves a party, and has no place in quiet spaces - you certainly won't find them in a library.
Smirklethorpe is a cheeky Nose, hoping to match the Comic Relief performers in getting everyone to laugh at his jokes. They're also a fan of tennis and knitting, although slapstick is the main game for this one.
While Gigglesworth, McChorltes and Smirklethorpe are red, Lol E Pops breaks the mould by being blue. Described as sassy, sniffly, snuffly and snorty, Lol E Pops gets their name from laughing at their own jokes until they're blue in the face!
The Golden Hooter is a faceless, prestigious Nose, plated in 24 carat gold leaf. The chances of getting one of these bad boys is pretty low - if you are lucky enough, hold onto it with everything you have - it could be worth something one day...
Family pack of Red Noses
As there are four different Noses in this year's selection, all four are available in a family pack.
This is a great way to get the entire collection, and some boxes will contain one of the Golden Hooters. At least £4 from the purchase will go to Comic Relief, helping tackle poverty in the UK and beyond. The items are made from 70% Sugarcane and 30% Wood Pulp.
Red Nose Day t-shirts
On top of your Red Nose purchase, limited edition Red Nose Day t-shirts are available from TKMaxx. This year, the clothing features characters from Shaun the Sheep and Wallace and Gromit, among others.
For each kids' T-shirt sold, at least £3.00 will be donated to Comic Relief, while at least £5.50 will be donated for every adult T-shirt sold. You can shop the full range on the TK Maxx website, but here are some of our favourites:
When is Red Nose Day 2024?
Red Nose Day 2024 is on Friday 15 March. This year, the money raised will predominantly help tackle poverty, and provide food, healthcare or shelter for people in the UK and beyond.
Speaking about his decision to step down from presenting, Sir Lenny Henry said "When we first started Comic Relief back in 1985, I never dreamed we’d still be here today. I thought we’d probably do three shows and that would be it, but fast-forward nearly 40 years, and that enthusiasm and determination to step up and help others has never wavered. As Life President of Comic Relief, I’m excited to see some new and familiar faces come forward now to present the big night and lead us into the next chapter."
Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer, added "Sir Lenny Henry has been the face of Comic Relief for nearly four decades and I would like to personally thank him for his incredible contribution, the way in which he has entertained and inspired the nation on the BBC cannot be overstated.
Lenny’s commitment has been awe-inspiring, he has been instrumental to its enduring appeal and shone a light on so many worthwhile causes using the power of comedy and laughter to raise millions of pounds. This year’s Red Nose Day will be his last on screen but it promises to be extra special as we take the opportunity to mark his remarkable achievements on the night."
We love the way our supporters are rocking the @aardman merchandise from @TKMaxx_UK and @Homesense! 🤩 Don't miss out on the fun - there's still time to join in before the big day! Show off your Aardman treasures or head to your local TK Maxx and grab your gear now! pic.twitter.com/Upypt9nhDbMarch 6, 2024
Where does the Red Nose Day money go?
The money raised from Red Nose Day goes towards tackling the root causes of poverty and social injustice.
Comic Relief carefully researches where money donated by the public is allocated. The charity ensures funds are given to where they make the biggest difference possible to those suffering hard times.
All money is given directly to charities, and Comic Relief doesn’t run its own projects. The money takes two years to allocate, with grant applications approved in phased cycles. This prevents applications being viewed all at the same time, allowing rigorous checks to be made ensuring money goes where it makes the biggest difference.
Chantal lives in Rwanda, and found herself in an oppressive marriage and controlled by her husband. Her life was changed by a sport and education charity called Shooting Touch. Chantal spoke of what she's learnt from the charity's input, saying "I’ve learnt that a woman is capable and strong; that she can lead so many people. I learnt to be really brave and determined to achieve my ambitions. A woman is strong and there is nothing she cannot do. I saw that everything is possible."
Reunited fourteen years on from the first Outnumbered Red Nose Day special. Look how much has changed over those years 😮.Get your Red Nose on @AmazonUK or visit https://t.co/fvcvPuXmHH. pic.twitter.com/nJIIuK6m1kFebruary 16, 2024
You can make a donation through the Comic Relief website, and it will tell you how your money is spent. For example, £30 could help provide essential roofing repairs for a vulnerable family in Zambia, or £50 could contribute to a new school uniform for a child who only has a few items of clothing after fleeing with a parent from an abusive relationship.
How much has Red Nose Day raised in total?
Red Nose Day (and Sport Relief) has raised over £1.5 billion for Comic Relief. During 2023, funds raised went towards alleviating poverty’s consequences and grip on people’s daily lives, tackling the injustices that keep people in poverty, and standing with those in poverty who are most harmed by climate change.
One of Comic Relief’s biggest celebrity fundraisers began in 2009 when a group of 10 music and TV stars climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Made up of musicians such as Gary Barlow and Cheryl Cole, the challenge raised £3.35 million for the charity.
Over the years, other celebrities have trekked Africa’s highest mountain for Comic Relief. In 2019, Little Mix stars Jade Thirwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock joined eight others on the challenge. Their efforts helped secure donations for the 2019 recorded total of £63,548,668.
To date, the biggest total ever raised during Red Nose Day was recorded in 2011 as £108,436,277.
You can also find out how to find your local baby bank and donate, and where to donate to Ukraine. You can even recycle old bras - we show you how.
