Red Nose Day 2025: What's happening for Comic Relief this year?

Red Nose Day turns 40 this year

It's almost time to celebrate Red Nose Day - the big annual charity event organised by Comic Relief.

Each year people take part in all sorts of events and fun challenges to raise money for children facing poverty in the UK and around the world.

People take part in all sorts of ways such as fundraising events in schools, big challenges and there's a live show on TV with lots of celebrities, funny sketches and examples of where the money raised will be spent.

This year the charity event is celebrating its 40th birthday, so expect lots of celebrations.

Take a look below to find out what's happening for this year's Red Nose Day - and don't forget to comment below and tell us what YOU are up to.

When is Red Nose Day 2025?

Presenters Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond, AJ Odudu, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alesha Dixon, Jonathan Ross and Tom Allen will be getting involved in the live show this year

This year Red Nose Day takes place on Friday 21 March.

Comic Relief was founded in 1985 by Richard Curtis and Sir Lenny Henry 40 years ago.

Since then, the charity has helped to raise more than £1.6 billion, and supported more than 100 million people.

Each year a big live TV show airs as part of the celebrations, and this year it will begin at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Presenters Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Joel Dommett, Alison Hammond, Rylan Clark and Alesha Dixon will present the live show from 7-10pm.

Gladiators x Red Nose Day

Comedy character Chabuddy G will take on the infamous Gladiators for Red Nose Day

The Gladiators will be joining this year's Red Nose Day in a very special exclusive sketch.

The sketch will see the comedy character Chabuddy G step into the legendary Gladiators arena.

He's convinced he's about to become a new Gladiator, but discovers he's actually a contender whose first challenge is a head-to-head duel with none other than human powerhouse Bionic.

Expect lots of silliness, giggles and Gladiators.

What are the Comic Relief red nose designs this year?

Four nose designs are returning fan favourites from the last 40 years, as well as two special designs

Each year Red Nose Day release a special red nose for people to wear to show their support, with a portion of the money used to buy it going to charity.

This year to celebrate 40 years of Comic Relief, a fan-favourite Red Nose design from each decade – the 80s, 90s, noughties and 2010s, will be returning.

Plus, there's a birthday Cupcake Nose - which can only be found in special multi-packs - as well as a rare Ruby Nose, where there's a 1 in 125 chance to find one.

All of the materials used to make the noses are plant-based and fully recyclable.

Back in 2021 Comic Relief announced that it was ditching the plastic in its red noses, in favour of a plant-based version after co-founder Richard Curtis was inspired by a group of children at a school in Cornwall.

What are the Comic Relief big challenges this year?

Radio 1 DJ Jamie Laing is taking part in a running challenge

Each year for Red Nose day celebrities take part in special big challenges to help raise money.

This year Radio 1 presenter Jamie Laing is lacing up his trainers to take part in a 150+ mile run from London to Salford.

He'll be completing an ultra-marathon every day, for five days, beginning on Monday 17 March, and finishing on Friday 21 March, to raise money for Comic Relief.

Billy Monger is taking part in an epic triathlon challenge

Former racing car driver and TV presenter Billy Monger took part in a special challenge for Comic Relief in October last year, which will be shown on Wednesday 19 March.

The programme follows Billy in his bid to become the youngest ever double leg amputee to complete an IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

Billy was seriously injured during a Formula 4 race at Donington Park in April 2017 and lost both of his legs.

As part of his epic challenge for Comic Relief, Billy took on a 2.4-mile open water swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run in the Hawaiian heat.

Gethin and Helen are getting their skates on

Morning Live presenters Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton will take part in a 24-hour roller disco.

Joined by some familiar faces, they'll be lacing up and skating around-the-clock to celebrate the past four decades for fundraising.

Their roller disco challenge starts on Thursday 20 March.

Why is Blue Peter turning Red?

Blue Peter will once again be renamed Red Peter to celebrate Red Nose Day on Friday 21 March.

The special version of the show will feature guest Billy Monger, who'll be taking on a subterranean go-karting challenge and surprising a school to say thank you for their fundraising efforts.

Presenters will also find out how Blue Peter fans across the country have been raising money.

There will also be a performance in the studio, a world record attempt and appearances from some Red nose Day stars.

Are you doing anything funny to raise money for Comic Relief at school or home? Let us know in the comments.