Andrew Dipper

Comedy Walk 2014 is happening

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page

Last year, 22 comedians walked 84 miles along Hadrian’s Wall for charity. One year on, they’re doing it again.

Comedian Nick Banks, who organised the 2013 fundraiser, has confirmed that Comedy Walk 2014 is happening – and this year it’s a day longer!

The walk, which sees comedians perform stand-up at venues along the historic Roman wall, will begin on Thursday 1 May at the Hope & Anchor Inn in Bowness-on-Solway, before shows in Carlisle, Brampton, Greenhead and Heddon on the Wall.

The walk will end in Newcastle on Thursday 8 May.

Speaking to Giggle Beats, Nick said he was buoyed by the success of last year’s walk, which raised over £5000 for the Newcastle Healthcare Charity.

He said: “I was truly humbled by the time and effort everyone put into the 2013 walk, by people I didn’t know and people I did who come through for me.

“It was an amazing experience with a fantastic group of people – so when I was asked about doing another I thought, ‘Yeah, why not?'”

Banks also revealed that ovarian cancer charity Ovacome will benefit from the 2014 walk.

Ovacome was established in 1996 to provide support and information for women affected by ovarian cancer, as well as their families and friends. The charity has over 5000 members.

Explaining the choice, Banks added: “The 2014 walk is in memory of Alison Fong, [comedian] Matthew Fong’s mam, who died of the disease 2 years ago.

“Ovacome do amazing work and we’re delighted we can help them out in this way.

“Last year’s walk was belter – hard work but everyone enjoyed it – so the plan is to make it bigger, better and raise loads more money for a fantastic charity this year.”

A number of comedians have already confirmed they will walk the wall in May, including last year’s participants Patrick Monahan, Silky and Giggle Beats Comedy Quiz host Seymour Mace.

Monahan said: “I love a good walk, and there’s nothing better than having a nice walk with some lovely people for an amazing cause – which is why I’m taking part in the comedy walk again with my good mate Nick Banks.

“Hopefully they’ll have finished building Hadrian’s Wall this time!”

Comedy Walk 2014 takes place 1-8 May 2014. For more information, follow @ComedyWalk2014 on Twitter.