When is Red Nose Day 2026? How to get involved, where to buy Red Noses, and what to know about the Comic Relief fundraiser

Billed as the funniest day of the year, the annual Comic Relief fundraiser will take place on March 20 with a a host of stars including Davina McCall, Alison Hammond and Catherine Tate all set to encourage those at home to donate money for a range of good causes.

Also helping to raise funds for Red Nose Day 2026 is BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James, who will take on a huge challenge which will see him travel 1,000km from Weymouth to Edinburgh - all while riding a tandem bike.

All funds raised from the event will go towards organisations which help tackle poverty, injustice, conflict, and climate change in the UK, as well as around the world.

Here’s everything you need to know about Red Nose Day 2026.

When is Red Nose Day? Comic Relief 2026 date

Red Nose Day will take place on Friday, March 20 2026.

One of the biggest charity nights on TV in the UK, Red Nose Day will be broadcast live from MediaCity in Salford from 7pm that evening on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

What is Red Nose Day?

Each March, Comic Relief raise money for important causes with fundraisers such as Red Nose Day.

The charity was first founded by comedian Sir Lenny Henry and screenwriter Richard Curtis in 1985, as a response to the famine in Ethiopia, with the first Red Nose Day held in 1988.

The live fundraising event airs live on TV with comedians, popstars and more all appearing to help raise money for Comic Relief. Over the course of the charity’s history and appeals such as Red Nose Day and Sports Relief, more than £1.6 billion has been raised to support good causes.

Who will host Red Nose Day 2026?

This year’s presenters for Red Nose Day include Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Katherine Ryan, Nick Mohammed and Catherine Tate, who in a first for the charity appeal, will appear as Nan, her iconic character from the The Catherine Tate Show.

READ MORE: What is Gift Aid, rules, how does scheme work in UK, how much is it, Comic Relief donations

What to expect from Red Nose Day 2026

As per usual, there will be a host of famous faces popping up to help raise money for charity with entertainment from comedy sketches to live performances, surprise appearances and more planned.

Sketches for this year’s TV fundraiser will include The Bank Job starring Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, with others featuring shows including The Traitors, Amandaland and more.

Here are the confirmed specials for Red Nose Day 2026

Comic Relief Does The Weakest Link

Over on BBC Two at 10pm, the Red Nose Day celebrations continue with Romesh Ranganathan hosting Comic Relief Does The Weakest Link. A late-night edition of the show, six comedians will be hoping to avoid the walk of shame.

Comic Relief: More Funny For Money / Comic Relief’s Hits and Hidden Gems at the BBC

Following the main show on Friday, March 20, there will then be a special full of all the night’s highlights on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. As well as the big moments from this year, there will also be Comic Relief’s Hits and Hidden Gems at the BBC on BBC Two and iPlayer, which will feature performances from guests such as The Spice Girls, Adele, One Direction and more.

The One Show

The One Show will help the UK get ready for Red Nose Day on Thursday, March 19, with an exclusive preview of the night’s biggest sketches as well as cheering on Greg James during his epic tandem challenge.

Red Peter: Red Nose Day Takeover!

Blue Peter will also get involved in the action, becoming Red Peter for a special episode featuring the stars of Gladiators Epic Pranks and CBBC’s Saturday Mash Up.

The Creator Band for Red Nose Day

UK creators Ayame, Sarel, Victor Kunda and Specs Gonzalez will swap ring lights for stage lights as they prepare for a live performance on Red Nose Day - as a band.

For one night only, the group will take on vocal coaching and a choreography bootcamp in a YouTube series which will include special guests and more.

Greg James to end on 1,000km tandem bike challenge in Scotland

Also as part of Red Nose Day 2026, BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James is set to cycle 1,000km from England to Scotland on a tandem bike to raise money for Comic Relief.

Radio 1’s Longest Ride will see James set off from Weymouth on Friday, March 13 for a gruelling eight day cycle on a tandem bike which will see him arrive in Edinburgh on Red Nose Day.

READ MORE: Where is Greg James? Here is the presenter's route and how to track his Comic Relief challenge progress live

The breakfast show host will spend at least eight hours per day in the saddle, with friends of the radio station, special guests, and listeners all hopping on at various points of his journey to help him out.

The challenge will begin live on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show on Friday, March 13 with live updates coming regularly from his route.

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Red Nose Day 2026: Where to buy clothing and Red Noses

For Red Nose Day 2026, Comic Relief has teamed up TK Maxx for a collection of themed clothing, accessories and more - which includes a collaboration with Disney’s Winnie the Pooh - which will be available both in store and online.

And for this year’s event, the iconic Red Nose collection will be available to purchase on Amazon - including the blank Design-Yer Nose edition, which will allow pupils, parents and teachers to encourage children to get drawing.

To celebrate, there is also a competition for schools - judged by Mr Doodle - which could see the winners receive a £100 Amazon voucher and various Red Nose Day prizes.

How to get involved

If you want to help raise funds for Comic Relief, there are several ways that you can get involved, whether it’s by donating money or hosting your own fundraiser.

Whether you’re looking to set up a work or school fundraiser, suggestions for those looking to “take yourself funny for money” include bake sales, a sponsored challenge such as the Tour de Farce or even setting up your very own version of Taskmaster.

For more information or fundraiser packs, or to donate directly, you can find out more on the Comic Relief Website.