Comedy nights provide 40 new trees for Balderstone Park

Forty new trees are to be planted in Balderstone Park, resulting from a local events organiser’s comedy nights.

Last year, local events promoter ACE LIPS came up with the unique idea to donate a tree to offset the environmental impact of bringing comedians to Rochdale, with enough money raised for 40 new trees.
 

Read more: Local comedy nights help plant 40 new trees in the boroughPublished: 29 November 2022 Plant a tree with a laugh: How your comedy night out can help the environmentPublished: 14 July 2022

The trees are now to be planted in Balderstone Park – particularly poignant for ACE LIPS’ founder, Rick Attwood, as it’s a stone’s throw away from a former home of his favourite comedian, Lee Mack.

And with the success of ACE LIPS’ comedy nights, more trees are bound to be on the way from Rick’s ‘A Tree for a Laugh Incentive.’

The most recent event on 24 February was a sold-out success, as people packed out the Old Court Room at the Flying Horse Hotel for Lily Phillips, Tony Burgess, Natalie Husdan, Jacob Nussey, Ian Hamilton, and Sil Shzzd.

The crowd was so large that some people had to stand to see the performers, but that didn't stop them from enjoying themselves.

 

 

Rick said: “It's great to see so many people coming out to support live comedy.

“We had a fantastic line-up, and the audience was really engaged. It's the perfect way to kick off the weekend.”

He continued: “I think it's important to give back to the community and to the environment.

"Comedy can be a powerful tool for social change, and this is just one small way we can make a positive impact."

The audience was also supportive of the initiative. "It's great to see comedy being used for a good cause," said Paul, one attendee. "I had a great time tonight, and knowing that the event is also helping the environment makes it even better."

With the success of this comedy night, it's clear that Rochdale has a strong appetite for live entertainment.

And with initiatives like ‘A Tree for a Laugh’, the community can enjoy great performances while also making a positive impact on the environment.