Stars big up planet-friendly farming

13 November 2009

Comedian Jimmy Carr made a surprise appearance last night to raise awareness of Friends of the Earth's campaign for planet-friendly farming.

Carr topped the bill at London's HMV Hammersmith Apollo for LIVEstock 2009. 

The gig was in support of our work to fix the food chain.

Around 2,000 people lapped up an evening of edgy humour and great music. Many signed a petition asking their MPs to tackle subsidies to the intensive meat and dairy industry.

Carr, renowned for his deadpan delivery and one-liners, was a last-minute addition to the impressive line-up.

The line-up was top-draw and I spilt my drink (twice) because I was laughing so much (NB: I was sober).

A happy gig-goer

Long-time Friends of the Earth supporters Razorlight also played an exclusive set.

The band's frontman Johnny Borrell said:

"Industrial farming contributes massively to climate change and it's important to put pressure on the Government to make changes on a large scale. We did it with The Big Ask campaign and it was successful.

"Just send a petition to your MP which takes about 90 seconds."

The line-up included Chris Addison, Dan Antopolski, Marcus Brigstocke, Richard Herring, Russell Howard, Francesca Martinez, Stephen Merchant, Hils Barker, Lucy Porter and Mark Watson.

Stephen Merchant said:

"They told me it's a charity evening for Friends of the Earth and I'm very keen to get an OBE. It's something I've been working towards for some time. I thought if I did enough charity events then I could get one.

"If I don't get one, that will be disappointing. But I'll be slightly comforted by the fact that I've played some part in trying to save planet Earth."

It was a great night full of belly laughs for a great cause.

A happy gig-goer

Thanks to all the artists who took part, and everyone who came along.