Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Gold launches annual Christmas Crackers' joke competition

05/10/2021

TV channel Gold is challenging individuals across the nation to craft topical and witty Christmas cracker jokes based on the events of 2024

Top prize of £1,500 experience and travel vouchers, plus a bespoke set of Christmas crackers featuring the winning jokes

The nine runners up will also receive a festive hamper of treats and set of the bespoke Gold crackers

The nation's favourite comedy channel Gold has announced the return of its annual Christmas cracker joke competition for its 12th year. The competition 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, shone a light on the cake related chaos the British Museum experienced in 2023 and read: Did you hear about the Christmas cake on display in the British Museum? It was Stollen. Whilst back in 2022, the top timely quip was a political pun: What type of peas ruin Christmas Dinner? MPs.

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.

It has been an eventful year, from the split of Tommy Fury and Molly Mae, to Oasis reuniting once again, as well as the Paris Olympics and the pop culture movement of Brat Summer spreading lime across the nation - providing plenty of fuel for contestants to get creative, all with the aim of getting the country chuckling and keeping spirits high this Christmas.

The competition is open from today (7th October 2024) until 11.59pm on Monday 21st October 2024. Entries must be made by tweeting original, witty and family-friendly Christmas jokes with the hashtag #GoldCrackers and all entrants must be 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, 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 moments 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 21/10/2024

Further information on the terms and conditions, can be found here.

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: Each year I look forward to seeing the latest festive funnies from the British public - the entries never fail to bring a smile to my face! The contest provides the opportunity to reflect on the last 12 months, and to find the humour in some of the many eventful cultural moments. I look forward to seeing what people come up with this year!

Gerald Casey, Director of Programming, Comedy and Entertainment, UKTV, said: At Gold we love when this time of year comes around and we get to challenge the nation to come up with some cracking Christmas jokes - it really marks the start of the festive season for us. We've been running this competition for well over a decade, and each year the standard of jokes just gets better and better. Here's to another year of giggle-worthy gags!

With the success of Gold's Christmas Cracker' competition across the last twelve years, the channel is welcoming back the chance to once again share the festive cheer. To be in with a chance of winning, the entry must be within 140 characters, to keep jokes short and snappy like the very best crackers!

-ENDS-

About Gold

Dedicated to celebrating the best of British comedy, Gold is the nations favourite comedy channel.

Classic British comedy series loved by all the family sit comfortably alongside new UKTV Original scripted comedies crafted by some of the nation's finest comedic minds, such as Dad's Army: The Lost Episodes, Murder, They Hope, The Cockfields and Sandylands. Meanwhile Gold's unscripted series reunite the stars and partnerships of the nation's best-loved shows to get to the heart of what makes them so evergreen - from passion projects such as French & Saunders: Funny Women, Billy Connolly Does , Lenny Henry's Race Through Comedy and Ricky and Ralf's Very Northern Road Trip to the retrospective likes of dinnerladies diaries and The Fast Show: Just A Load of Blooming Catchphrases.

Gold is the perfect tonic to make you laugh whatever the time of day.

gold.uktv.co.uk | @goldchannel

About UKTV

UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands - U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, Gold, Alibi and Eden - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to UK viewers through free streaming service U, Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview, Freesat and Freely; and to Irish viewers through Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. Channel & content availability varies by platform. UKTV's content is also available to UK viewers via dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Pluto TV and Vi
LINK: https://corporate.uktv.co.uk/news/article/gold-launches-annual-christm...
See more stories from uktv

More from UKTV

21/10/2026

U confirms celebrity line-up for Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over seventh series

Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over returns for a seventh series in 2027, with Stacey Dooley MBE getting exclusive access to the homes and lives of Kerry Katona, Lauryn G...

21/10/2026

UKTV expands FAST portfolio with eight new channels

Expansion builds on broadcasters successful FAST launch and grows portfolio to 12 channels New channels dedicated to iconic brands including Top Gear, EastEnde...

20/10/2026

U&GOLD continues uncovering previously unseen footage for more Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive

As Only Fools and Horses marks its 45th anniversary year, and following tonights...

08/10/2026

UKTV acquires first two series of new Maigret for U and U&DRAMA in deal with Banijay Rights

14-hour package also includes A Remarkable Place to Die season 2 as well as libr...

07/10/2026

FIRST LOOK images released for upcoming drama, The Cadburys

The six-part series will launch on free-streaming service U in 2027. A set of first look images have been released for The Cadburys (6x60'), the upcoming s...

24/09/2026

UKTV COMMISSIONS EIGHTH SERIES OF CANAL BOAT DIARIES

London, 24th September 2026: UKTV has commissioned an eighth series of Canal Boat Diaries (8x60') for U (u.co.uk) and U&YESTERDAY, with waterways explorer R...

23/09/2026

Guy Martin's Proper Jobs returns for third series

A great watch - Radio Times TV's most likeable proper bloke - Daily Telegraph 23rd September 2026, London: Guy Martin returns to free streaming service...

17/09/2026

The Neighbours Effect: Gen Z Brings Back Big Hair, Double Denim and 80s soap style

The Neighbours Effect: Gen Z Brings Back Big Hair, Double Denim and 80s soap sty...

10/09/2026

Will & Ralf Should Know Better recommissioned for a third series for U

The beloved duo are back with big challenges and even bigger laughs as they discover if you're ever truly too old to try something new. Previous praise for...

26/08/2026

Jack Dee and a team of comedians ask Help Me Tiny Big Brain on U and U&Dave

Brand new comedy game show entertainment format Jack Dee will host free streaming service U (u.co.uk) and U&Dave's brand new comedy game show Jack Dees He...

19/08/2026

U&alibi re-commissions Bookish for Christmas Special and Series 3

There's an early Christmas gift for Bookish fans, as UKTV confirms the re-commission of the hit U&alibi drama, created by and starring Mark Gatiss. Viewers ...

13/08/2026

Surviving Fred and Rose West: Inside Cromwell Street for U and U&W

New U and U&W Documentary Features Kathleen Richards, One of the Last Surviving Witnesses to Fred and Rose West Kathleen is Reunited with Childhood Friend and ...

12/08/2026

New Bookshop opening in London that offers new identities, not books, with free cover stories for all

NEW BOOKSHOP OPENING IN LONDON THAT OFFERS NEW IDENTITIES, NOT BOOKS, WITH FREE ...

09/07/2026

The Search for Leah Croucher: A Parent's Nightmare for U and U&W

Years in the making, this intimate documentary draws on rare access to Leah Crouchers family to tell the story behind one of Britains most high-profile missing ...

07/07/2026

Toby Regbo, Harry Gilby and Jessica Barden lead cast for The Cadburys - the true story of the Cadbury family - with filming now underway in Birmingham

UKTV commission with BritBox and Sony Pictures Television and inspired by Deborah Cadbury's book, Chocolate Wars The six-part series is produced by Fable P...

01/07/2026

UKTV appoints Matt Berry as General Manager to lead brand and marketing strategy

UKTV has today announced the appointment of Matt Berry to the newly created role of General Manager - Marketing, effective 1 July. Matt will take on this senio...

26/06/2026

Prison Wives of TikTok is Locked In for U and U&W

Flicker Productions to produce five-part docu-reality series following women who have fallen for men in prison and have become TikTok sensations, with brands an...

24/06/2026

Dara Briain forms Dara's Dull Appreciation Society for U

24th June 2026, London: Dara Briain will host brand new comedy entertainment series Dara's Dull Appreciation Society (4x40') celebrating members of th...

23/06/2026

UKTV and BBC Entertainment join forces on first joint comedy entertainment co-commission

23rd June 2026, London: UKTV and BBC Entertainment have unveiled a joint co-comm...

09/06/2026

Brian Conley to front love letter to the world's longest running sitcom with The Last Drop of Summer Wine on U&GOLD

Filming to take place in Holmfirth 9th June 2026, London: U&GOLD is heading bac...

02/06/2026

The Marlow Murder Club returns for a fourth series on U

Praise for series three: The Times - sun-dappled pleasure The Daily Mail - The Homes Counties' Charlie's Angels The Sun - 4* this [is an] enjoya...

29/05/2026

Rosie Jones's Disability Comedy Extravaganza returns with another new lineup of eight comics

Youtube exclusive special drops today Watch now UKTV today announces another e...

19/05/2026

UKTV Highlights: Saturday 6th - 12th June

What can I watch on UKTV and stream on U this week? This week on UKTV and the free streaming service U, viewers can watch a range of new and returning programm...

15/05/2026

UKTV joins forces with BritBox and Sony Pictures Television for a co-commission of Chocolate Wars (w/t)

The six-part series is a co-commission with BritBox and Sony Pictures Television...

14/05/2026

UKTV Highlights: Saturday May 30th - May 5th June

What can I watch on UKTV and stream on U this week? This week on UKTV and the free streaming service U, viewers can watch a range of new and returning programm...

08/05/2026

For Dogs' Sake! Pete Wicks returns with more heart-warming rescue journeys

Pete reunites with Dogs Trust for a fourth series and a two-part overseas special London, Friday 8th May 2026: The award winning factual entertainment series P...

06/05/2026

UKTV Brings the Early Years of Neighbours to U in 420Episode Back Catalogue Deal

UKTV has secured the exclusive rights to the early back catalogue of iconic Australian drama series Neighbours, following a landmark content deal with Fremantle...

29/04/2026

U challenges stars and their dogs to compete for Wagging Rights

Rhod Gilbert, Harriet Kemsley, Kae Kurd, Sara Pascoe and Vicki Pattison to take part in brand new series on free streaming service U Stream for free on U HERE ...

22/04/2026

FIRST LOOK FOR NEW U DRAMA SERIES HIT POINT

Hit Point is now available to watch on U U have unveiled exclusive first-look images for their six-part police thriller Hit Point, starring Nick Blood (Day of ...

22/04/2026

UKTV Highlights: Saturday May 9th -15th 2026

What can I watch on UKTV and stream on U this week? This week on UKTV and the free streaming service U, viewers can watch a range of new and returning programm...

16/04/2026

Teaser released for hit U&alibi drama, Bookish ahead of return this Summer

Bookish is created, written by and starring Mark Gatiss, with series one available on Sky, Virgin Media and NOW Praise for series one: Daily Mail - 5**** The...

10/04/2026

UKTV Highlights: Saturday April 25th - Friday May 1st 2026

What can I watch on UKTV and stream on U this week? This week on UKTV and the free streaming service U, viewers can watch a range of new and returning programm...

01/04/2026

UKTV announces expanded remit for Jonathan Newman and appoints David Swetman as Director of Content Partnerships & Sales

UKTV today announces that Jonathan Newman has formally stepped into the role of ...

17/03/2026

Sam Tewungwa Appointed CEO of UKTV

UKTV today announces the appointment of Sam Tewungwa as Chief Executive Officer, who will lead the company's next phase of growth. Tewungwa, currently Mana...

11/03/2026

Reign extended for CLASSIC CAR KINGS with two more series ordered for U and U&YESTERDAY

Following a successful first series, UKTV today announces the commission of two ...

09/03/2026

UKTV Strengthens Partnership with Samsung to Deliver on Connected TV Strategy

UKTV has agreed a new partnership deal with Samsung that makes UKTV's free linear channels available to internet-only Samsung TV viewers in the UK for the f...

26/02/2026

UKTV Highlights: Saturday February 28th - Friday March 6th 2026

What can I watch on UKTV and stream on U this week? This week's highlights include new episodes of Will and Ralf Should Know Better, The Marlow Murder Club...

24/02/2026

Paul C. Brunson to front second series of true crime docu-series Red Flag for U and U&W

Paul C. Brunson: Red Flag to be produced by FirstLookTV and launch in 2026 UKTV...

19/02/2026

UKTV Highlights Saturday February 21st - Friday February 27th 2026

What can I watch on UK TV this week?What can I stream on U this week? This guide highlights new and returning comedy, a critically acclaimed drama series avai...

13/02/2026

UKTV Highlights Saturday February 14th - Friday February 20th 2026

What can I watch on UKTV this week?What can I stream on U this week? This guide highlights romantic dramas for Valentine's Day, alternative relationship t...

06/02/2026

UKTV Highlights Saturday February 7th - Friday February 13th 2026

What can I watch on TV in the UK this week? What can I watch on U&GOLD? What can I stream on U this week? This week on UKTV, viewers can watch a range of new a...

05/02/2026

BBC Studios and UKTV appoint Karin Marelle as Global Head of Acquisitions

BBC Studios and UKTV have appointed Karin Marelle to lead their Global Acquisitions team, overseeing the sourcing of content across BBC Studios' global chan...

03/02/2026

A host of comedians to find The Way Out on U and U&Dave

Mel Giedroyc fronts brand new comedy entertainment format 3rd February 2026, London: U and U&Dave is set to launch brand-new escape room comedy entertainment s...

02/02/2026

Bergerac S2 teaser released, ahead of return to U and U&DRAMA in Spring

Ahead of the hotly anticipated return of Bergerac to U and U&DRAMA in the Spring, a teaser has been released to give viewers a glimpse at what's in store in...

29/01/2026

Outback Terror: The Falconio Murder

New two-part true crime documentary, OUTBACK TERROR: THE FALCONIO MURDER, aims to shed new light on a case that continues to intrigue on both sides of the world...

26/01/2026

FIRST LOOK images released for Mark Gatiss' Bookish S2, as Ruth Codd joins cast

Bookish is created by and stars Mark Gatiss Images available HERE Following th...

15/01/2026

UKTV Enjoys Best Year Yet: VOD Viewing and Linear Share Hit Record Levels

Views to free streaming service U grew by 15%, average monthly active users by 23% and registrations by 18% UKTV's channels achieved record viewing share, ...

06/01/2026

Channel 4 and UKTV Deliver Unmissable Entertainment and More Choice for Viewers

Channel 4 and UKTV are giving viewers even more reasons to stream, with UKTV's U service set to feature thousands of hours of free, unmissable and bingeable...