Nicole Scherzinger, Noel Gallagher for Russell Brand Comic Relief gig

Russell Brand will host an all-star concert featuring performances from Noel Gallagher, Nicole Scherzinger and Emeli Sand.

'Give It Up for Comic Relief' - to be held at Wembley Arena on Wednesday, March 6 - will unite stars from music and stand-up comedy in support of those affected by drug and alcohol dependency in the UK.

London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony: Russell Brand

Owen Humphreys/PA Wire/Press Association Images

[Russell Brand performs at the London 2012 Olympics]

Paloma Faith, Kasabian, Jessie J, Rizzle Kicks and Jake Bugg are among the first wave of musicians confirmed for the fundraiser.

Jimmy Carr, Noel Fielding, Frankie Boyle, Simon Amstell, Doc Brown and former One Show host Jason Manford are among the comedians appearing, with other acts due to be confirmed in forthcoming weeks.

Comic Relief: Jessie J wearing a Red Nose Day T-shirt
Frankie Boyle on Stage
[Left: Jessie J / Right: Frankie Boyle]

"Comic Relief has funded work tackling substance abuse for many years," said Comic Relief CEO Kevin Cahill. "We were thrilled when Russell Brand offered to highlight the issue and raise funds to help tackle the problem.

"It's a perfect use of his celebrity profile to front the 'Give It Up for Comic Relief' gig and work behind the scenes to put it all together. He has played a blinder."

Pre-sale tickets will be a! vailable from 9am today (Thursday, January 31) until 7am on Friday, February 1, when tickets go on general sale.

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Celebrities pose for Red Nose Day - photo gallery:

Copyright: Jon Cottam