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Red Nose Day 2007
09/03/07. Why are people in Britain going to wear red noses on 16 March?
Red Nose Day happens in Britain every two years. It raises money for a charity called Comic Relief. There is a special night of comedy on BBC television, with famous actors such as Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson). People who watch at home donate money by telephone or by going online.
Also, in schools, shops and offices around the country, people organise special events to raise money. For example, they might come to work wearing silly clothes, stay silent all day, or dye their hair green! Whatever they do, they will do it wearing a red nose. The idea is to have fun and to help people at the same time.
Who benefits?
60% of the money goes to projects in Africa, and 40% goes to help disadvantaged people in Britain. All the money the public give - every penny - goes directly to the people who need it. The other costs are paid for by the main sponsors, such as the BBC and the supermarket Sainsbury's (that's where you can buy the red noses).
To read about some of the people who have benefitted from the charity, click here.
What's on TV this year?
This year's event is called 'The Big One', so there will be a lot of special television programmes. The noses are also extra big! Look out for famous people in reality TV programmes (such as a singing competition), special comedy events and documentaries about the charity's work.
Download free wallpaper with Mr Bean, Shaun the Sheep and more by clicking here. You will notice the London Eye has a red nose too!
How much money will be raised this year?
Comic Relief has raised many millions of pounds since it began in 1985, after the famine in Ethiopia. The first Red Nose Day was in 1988 and raised £15. The last Red Nose Day in 2005 raised a huge £65m - the biggest so far. Will it be more this year?
See a video from Red Nose Day 2005
