Aisling Bea spearheads initiative at London’s Bill Murray comedy venue 

Comedians including Aisling Bea, Nish Kumar, Sara Pascoe and Rob Delaney are to host another food drive to help those struggling this Christmas

The new initiative follows last year’s event at London’s Bill Murray comedy venue  which collected 1.3 tonnes of food  for Hackney Food Bank Warehouse.

This year’s event will be back at the Islington pub from 2pm to 6:30pm on December 20 where  a ‘Reverse Santa’ – played by various stars over the afternoon – will collect gifts.

Festivities hosted by Bea include  a singalong with a celebrity choir and  London City Voices. While those popping along include  comedians, TV presenters and actors from hit shows like Drag Race, Derry Girls, Game Of Thrones, Doctor Who and Strictly.

It will be followed by a fundraising gig at EartH in Dalston, with tickets available here.

Bea – who organises the event with Angel Comedy – said: ‘The cost-of-living crisis has left many people and families struggling in recent years, with food banks, such as The Trussell Trust, often being their sole lifeline.

‘The demand for donations has surged, and I hope we can make a meaningful impact while bringing attention to the severity of the situation."

Barry Ferns of The Bill Murray added: ‘We’re eager to ensure this significant event has a lasting impact. Food poverty is a pervasive issue in today's society, and collaborating with the dynamic force that is Aisling Bea, we aim to make a positive difference this Christmas and beyond.’

For a list of accepted items and those most needed, visit https://www.hackney.foodbank.org.uk/donate#donatefood

Published: 12 Dec 2023