Comic Relief (charity) - Red Nose Day History

Red Nose Day History

Red Nose Day is the main way in which Comic Relief raises money. The first Red Nose Day (RND) was held on 5 February 1988, when it was launched as a National Day of Comedy, and since then they have been on the second or third Friday in March. RND 2011 was on 18 March. The concept was created by Wendy Crossman (nee Robinson), the fundraising director of Comic Relief. Red Nose Day is often treated as a semi-holiday; for example, many schools have red-themed non-uniform days (i.e. the pupils have to wear something red as part of their non-uniform attire). The day culminates in a live telethon event on BBC One, starting in the evening and going through into the early hours of the morning, but other money-raising events take place. As the name suggests, the day involves the wearing of plastic/foam red noses which are available, in exchange for a donation, from Sainsbury's and Oxfam shops.