Comedian Bill Bailey and pianist Jools Holland are among the celebrities horsing around for a good cause this Christmas.
The stars have signed hilarious t-shirts to be auctioned off during the Greenwich Charity Pantomime Horse Race event.
Funnyman Arthur Smith is also saddling up, ready to put his best hoof forward in the race.
This year, the event – which raises thousands of pounds for Demelza Hospice Care for Children - will be spread out over a week, with the launch taking place at Ye Olde Rose and Crown pub on December 15.
Mark Biddiss, organiser, told Vibe: “At the launch party, or the Pre-Race Christmas Event, there will be a free buffet and a mini auction (which includes a few ladies auctioning themselves for a date).
“Ye Olde Rose and Crown will also serve as an information point, giving people details about the event.
“We’ll also be selling Nay the Horse Be With You t-shirts and all proceeds go to Demelza.”
Mark, who has dedicated nearly five months to organising the mammoth fundraiser, has also launched a fun contest for people leading up to it.
“There are pictures of cartoon horse heads of all shapes and sizes all over Greenwich.
“If you guess the number, pop into Ye Old Rose and Crown before Saturday.
“The winner who chooses the correct number, or nearest to it, will be drawn from a hat on December 15 and the prize is a barrel of real ale.”
On December 21 at 12pm, Mark will be hosting an exclusive Christmas auction dinner at De Vere Hotels, with all proceeds going directly to Demelza.
Mark said: “We’ll have signed t-shirts by Bill Bailey and Jools Holland, with pictures of them wearing the tops.
“I showed them the Nay the Horse Be With You adverts and they thought it was really unusual and entertaining.
“They’ve been amazed by what I’ve done.
“We’ll also be auctioning West End tickets, other signed celebrity items and exclusive artwork.”
The mane event, the hysterical horse race at 1pm on December 23, sees around 20 comedy stallions take on drinking challenges at several Greenwich pubs starting at The Rose and Crown.
Last year, hundreds of people turned up to wish the horses well at their starting point of Davenport House, raising £2,300 through donations and horse sponsorships.
But this time around, Mark hopes to raise a record-breaking £10,000 as it will be his final year organising the event.
“I will be dressed as King Arthur with a faithful Patsy.
“There will be coconuts everywhere.
“I hope everyone gets into the spirit of it.
“Every quid which gets donated really makes a difference.”
Not The Rolling Stones will be performing a charity gig to celebrate the end of the race in style.
The concert will take place at Oliver’s Bar in Nevada Street, and The Counterfeit Beatles’ Peter Bailey – aka Paul McCartney - will be supporting the headliners.
Tickets are £20.
Visit pantohorserace.org
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