David Baddiel to take to stage at Hackney Winter Night Shelter fundraiser

Grub’s up: The Hackney Winter Night Shelter. Photograph: Hackney Winter Night Shelter

One of Britain’s best known comics will take to the stage at a comedy fundraiser next month in aid of Hackney Winter Night Shelter.

David Baddiel, who topped the music charts twice with the England football anthem ‘Three Lions’, will perform alongside Peep Show star, Isy Suttie, Bridget Christie, Ginger and Black, and Paul Sinha as part of ‘A Belter for the Shelter’ at Hackney Empire on Wednesday, 23 October 2013.

Hackney Winter Night Shelter started 18 years ago and operates between November and March. The service offers food and over-night accommodation for the homeless and provided 2,875 breakfasts, suppers and beds last year.

The charity is run by more than 700 volunteers across 14 venues in Hackney and, according to the organisation’s annual report, costs almost £70,000 a year to sustain the free service.

Sarah Borwick, a member of the fundraising committee for Hackney Winter Night Shelter, said the event was “the first big fundraiser” the charity has planned.

“The event is to raise money in the run up to winter so we can make sure we’re here for the people who will really need us in the upcoming cold dark months,” she said. “We also hope that the comedy night will spread some awareness about Hackney Winter Night Shelter and what we do to the residents of Hackney – we’re always looking for more volunteers to get involved with the work we do, as we continue to expand.”

Tickets for the event go on sale Wednesday, 4 September, starting at £15 and are available from www.hackneyempire.co.uk/beltershelter, by phone 020 8985 2424 or from the Hackney Empire box office