The nation’s favourite comedy channel Gold has announced the return of its annual Christmas cracker joke competition, which challenges the British public to write their best festive gags – inspired by the events of the last 12 months.
Last year’s winning joke, crowned by public vote, was a topical take on politicians dampening the festive mood, which read: “What type of peas ruin Christmas Dinner? MPs” – while 2021’s top timely quip was about the rising cost of fuel: “Why are people cutting back on Brussels sprouts this Christmas? The cost of gas is too high!’
TV channel Gold has once again launched its joke-writing competition to encourage the nation to get creative with comedic and festive twists on current events and trends.
From sporting moments such as England’s Lionesses reaching the World Cup final and royal milestones such as King Charles’ Coronation to political infamy such as Partygate and pop culture phenomenon including the Barbie movie’s spread of pink across the nation, the aim is to get the country chuckling and keep spirits high this Christmas.
The competition is open from today until 11.59pm on Monday 16th October 2023. Entries must be made by tweeting original, witty and family-friendly Christmas jokes with the hashtag #GoldCrackers and following @GoldChannel on X (formerly Twitter, to be able to contact winners).
The winner will receive £1,500 experience and travel vouchers, a festive-themed food and drink hamper, an incredible novelty turkey costume worn in new show ‘Blood Actually: A ‘Murder, They Hope’ Mystery’ by Lee Mack and their joke will be included in a personalised set of crackers ready to pull on the big day.
The nine runners-up will also receive a festive Christmas hamper and a box of bespoke Gold Christmas crackers, which include the top six winning jokes.
HOW TO ENTER
Open to all UK residents aged 18 and over. To enter:
- Tweet an original Christmas-themed joke via your personal X (formerly Twitter) account including #GoldCrackers and be following @GoldChannel
- Gold is looking for the most original festive jokes that put a comedy twist on the news agenda or pop culture across the past year
- Jokes must be original content and suitable for a family audience (e.g. no swear words or offensive content)
- The joke entry must be in short form content (i.e. not exceed 140 characters), including #GoldCrackers
- Multiple entries are allowed
- All entrants must follow @GoldChannel on X (formerly Twitter) so we can notify the winners - but the @GoldChannel handle does not need to be included in the joke entry
- Competition ends at 23:59 on 16/10/2023
For further information on the terms and conditions, please visit: https://gold.uktv.co.uk/article/gold-christmas-crackers-joke-competition...
The best jokes will be shortlisted by a panel led by comedy critic and editor of comedy website Beyond The Joke, Bruce Dessau.
Bruce Dessau said: “This competition allows the British public to flex their funny bones and collectively contribute to the groans and giggles that come with Christmas cracker jokes and I’ve no doubt that this year will see another fantastic selection of topical festive jests.”
Gerald Casey, Gold channel director, said: “We at Gold are delighted to once again challenge the nation to come up with witty and contemporary Christmas cracker jokes that get the whole country feeling festive in the run-up to Christmas, proving that laughter is the gift that keeps on giving!”
With the success of Gold’s ‘Christmas Cracker’ competition across the last eleven years, the channel is welcoming back the chance to once again share the festive cheer. To be in with a chance of winning, the festive funnies must be within 140 characters, to keep jokes short and snappy like the very best crackers!
