Every two years, Red Nose fever sweeps the nation. As increasing numbers of people will testify, Comic Relief is much more than fun and fundraising. It's a vibrant expression of active global citizenship involving the whole community. Britain's funniest comedians came together for one special night - Red Nose Night LIVE '05. By 2 o'clock in the morning, 12th March 2005, viewers watching the BBC One comedy fundraising marathon had pledged £37,809,564 for good causes in the UK and Africa. Celebrating the 10th ever Red Nose Day, this extra special evening of television brought together the very best in UK talent including Jonathan Ross, Lenny Henry, Davina McCall, Graham Norton and Chris Evans, Matt Lucas, Rowan Atkinson and Peter Kay as well as knockout live music from the likes of McFly and Jools Holland.

This year's Red Nose Day theme was Big Hair & Beyond - Just do Something. It's was about transforming the way we looked for a day to help change someone else's life forever.

The seven hour television spectacular took us to where we've never been before - with Chris Evans, Jonathan Ross, Graham Norton, Lenny Henry and Davina McCall presenting the action.

Among the many highlights, there was a special edition of Vicar of Dibley, My Family, Spider Plant Man and stirring sketches of Little Britain with special guests, Sir Elton John, George Michael and Robbie Williams. And the whole night was broadcast across Europe, the Middle East and Africa on BBC Prime.

After the last 10 days of tears, triumphs and tribulations, Comic Relief has now raised over £337 million for projects in both the UK and abroad, and sold over 40 million noses in a decade of continued fund raising. Red Nose Day 2003 raised a stonking £61 million thanks to the support from fundraisers up and down the country. Comic Relief was launched live on BBC ONE on Christmas Day 1985 from a refugee camp in Safawa, Sudan in response to the African famine.

The first Red Nose Day, in 1988, which instituted the unique union of comedy and charity on national television. This first big night of television was presented by Lenny Henry, Griff Rhys Jones and Jonathan Ross, and raised more than £15 million. Over the years, Comic Relief cash in Africa has educated people about HIV and AIDS, taught women to read, immunised children and helped people rebuild their communities after conflict.

Across the UK it has helped disabled people challenge prejudice and discrimination, supported older people in their fight to get their rights recognised and provided escape routes for women living with domestic violence.

This RND05 the favourite red nose is even better than ever! This year it came ready for some serious make over action with red hair gel, stickers and face paints to help personalise its look for RND '05. A huge array of famous faces joined top comedian Peter Kay to create a music video for the Tony Christie smash hit single "Is This The Way To Amarillo".

Viewers were tempted to raise over £1M in an hour for pledges to allow the classic hit to be re-released. The challenge was easily met and it is expected that Tony Christies hit will top the music charts, very catchy and all for a great cause. The extra special video features more than a few surprises with a whole host of famous faces including the singer himself, Tony Christie. Commenting on the video, singer Tony Christie, said "when Peter Kay and Comic Relief approached me about doing this I was thrilled and hope that it will help raise lots of money for such a great cause".

RAF Lyneham personnel played a big part locally by raising a staggering £969.05p on the day. See full story here..

Red Nose Day Themes and amounts raised: 2005 - Big Hair & Beyond - Just do Something 2003 - The Big Hair Do - £59 million 2001 - Say Pants to Poverty - £55 million 1999 - The Record Breaker - £35 million 1997 - Small Change - Big Difference 1995 - What A Difference A Day Makes - £22 million 1993 - The Invasion Of The Comic Tomatoes 1991 - The Stonker 1989 - Red Nose Day - £26.9 million 1988 - Red Nose Day - £15 million

	Red Nose Day Official website www.rednoseday.com
	Comic Relief www.comicrelief.com Comic Relief is seriously committed to helping end poverty and social injustice in the UK and poorest countries in the world.