Picture: Lenny Henry in Africa for Comic Relief 1988
The first Night of Comic Relief happened on 5 February 1988. The eight hour telethon brought together everyone who was anyone – from Jim Davidson to Harry Enfield - in the world of British comedy, with brand new sketches and classic clips. The mix of laughter with hard hitting film inserts proved a potent combination and £15 million was raised for people in Africa and the UK.
Comic Relief was founded by Richard Curtis and Jane Tewson in 1985 - building on the success of Band Aid and Live Aid - to raise money using comedy as the carrot. The 1988 Night of Comic Relief was the culmination of years of work and became a biennial fixture in the schedules, broadcast on Red Nose Day. Lenny Henry and Griff Rhys Jones fronted the first night, with Jonathan Ross. It featured a new Blackadder episode - "The Cavalier Years" – and a special edition of Spitting Image that united the rubber puppets with their human counterparts, plus a New Statesman special in which "Alan B'Stard closes down the BBC".
Comic Relief has revolutionised the world of fundraising. Apart from Red Nose Day, Sport Relief and related shows like the Great Comic Relief Bake Off and Comic Relief Does the Apprentice ensure it keeps a high profile and the donations continue to pour in. The 2017 night raised £99 million and over its 30 plus years it has raised over one billion pounds.
February anniversaries
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Blue Peter 5000th edition
1 February 2018 -
Face to Face
4 February 1959 -
First TV Sports commentary
4 February 1937 -
The Wombles
5 February 1973 -
A Night of Comic Relief
5 February 1988 -
Greenwich Time Signal - the 'pips'
5 February 1924 -
Grange Hill
8 February 1978 -
BBC Three is launched
9 February 2003 -
Doomwatch
9 February 1970 -
Bagpuss
12 February 1974 -
The EBU - European Broadcasting Union formed
12 February 1950 -
Potter's Wheel Interlude
16 February 1953 -
Start of Six-Five Special
16 February 1957 -
The Apprentice
16 February 2005 -
Hospital Watch
17 February 1986 -
Elizabeth R
17 February 1971 -
One Man and His Dog
17 February 1976 -
Antiques Roadshow
18 February 1979 -
Tonight launched
18 February 1957 -
Wogan
18 February 1985 -
EastEnders first episode
19 February 1985 -
Open All Hours
20 February 1976 -
First national broadcast of prices for farmers
20 February 1925 -
General Election results televised for the first time
23 February 1950 -
Civilisation
23 February 1969 -
Yes Minister
25 February 1980 -
Mr Benn
25 February 1971