‘Belter for the Shelter’ benefit night sees comedy legends raise money for Hackney charity

The event will take place on 19 March at Hackney Empire. Photograph: Fin Fahey from London, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hackney Night Shelter’s annual comedy benefit night is back in what promises to be a barrel of laughs.

The likes of Jeff Innocent, Red Richardson, Rosie Holt and Athena Kugblenu will take to the stage at the Hackney Empire for Belter for the Shelter on Thursday, 19 March, MCed by Laura Smyth.

Innocent said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of the Belter for the Shelter 2026 lineup at the iconic Hackney Empire. It’s always a privilege to know that stand-up comedy can go beyond getting laughs but also help change the social situation of people in need”.

Hackney Night Shelter says the money raised from the performance will contribute towards their efforts to provide emergency accommodation and routes out of homelessness for around 200 more people every year.

Hackney Night Shelter has been operating out of its current premises – a former office space which now boasts enough bedroom space to host 20 people a night – for the past three years.

In that time, they have helped more than 500 people facing homelessness to access support to get them off the streets. Most of them have now moved onto long-term accommodation.

Shelter workers say they have been particularly busy over the past few weeks finding guests more permanent housing solutions and moving them in.

One of them, a 43-year-old man who had been sleeping in Clapham Common before coming to the shelter, said: “It’s like a family home where strangers become friends”.

In addition to comedy, the fundraiser will include a raffle with prizes up for grabs from local businesses in the borough. Up for grabs are a sourdough making class with Hackney Bread Kitchen and spectacle making with Cubitts, worth £375.

Belter for the Shelter takes place at Hackney Empire on 19 March. Tickets are £25 plus booking fee. Book here.