Red Nose Day celebrations 2026 supporting Comic Relief
The Clavadel’s Pop Up Cafe on Red Nose Day, all funds donated to Comic Relief.
Once held biennially, Comic Relief is now an annual event on the UK fundraising calendar and has become a firm favourite with television audiences. Its 1988 telethon alone attracted some 30 million viewers who tuned in to enjoy the night’s entertainment. To date, it has supported in excess of 35,000 projects benefitting over 1,000 community organisations.
“Laughter is the language of the soul.” ~ Pablo Neruda
Now 40 years old, it was originally founded by scriptwriter Richard Curtis and comedian Sir Lenny Henry in response to the 1983-1985 famine in Ethiopia. By its 30-year anniversary it had already raised more than £1.4 billion via its Red Nose Day and associated Sport Relief appeals.
Since then, the incredible generosity of the British public has continued unabated, with this year’s efforts raising over £30 million – a total that The Clavadel was delighted to have contributed towards, following a fun-packed day of activities on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Preparations got underway earlier in the week, when budding artists were urged to ‘get nosey and creative’ as part of our ‘Design-Yer-Nose’ competition. For a suitable donation, local children could collect a ‘nose’ to personalise while collecting a lolly for their trouble; competitors then had the chance to win prizes, with the deftest doodlers to be announced on the big day.
As day dawned on the morning of our festivities, the car park played host to a drive-thru, pop-up café where early risers got the opportunity to avail themselves of a fortifying bacon roll and hot drink, with all proceeds contributing to the charity coffers.
By midday, laughter echoed throughout The Clavadel – not least at the staff ‘spot the baby’ picture board – and everybody was ready for a sweet treat by way of a ’Bake or Fake’ stall in the drawing room that provided a selection of cakes, kindly donated or home-baked by staff and well-wishers.
“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” ~ Phyllis Diller
As the afternoon’s proceedings progressed, highlights included a Red Nose Day quiz and drinks, followed by a raffle draw where we were fortunate to have an impressive array of prizes donated by our suppliers as well as local businesses, including: Knoops, Montezuma’s, Ninja Warrior UK; a family bowling session at Guildford Spectrum; admission to RHS Garden Wisley; and a three-course meal for two at The Coppa Club / Guildford Townhouse. We are grateful to all concerned for their kindness and generosity.
Our thanks, also, to our wonderful staff who ensured the event’s smooth running and success. From donating cakes to running the pop-up café, their collective efforts made it all possible. And to our wonderful residents, neighbours, and visitors alike – whether decorating noses, buying raffle tickets, or simply showing support – we express our gratitude for their generosity and enthusiasm.
As a result of the day’s merrymaking, the total raised for Comic Relief was an amazing £1,250.00.
Reflecting on the day’s activities, we were proud to have played our part towards such a worthy cause, but there were still plenty of fundraising ideas left unexplored…
Perhaps next year!?