Olivia Colman to star in City charity bash

THE City of London’s most successful annual charity day is to go ahead despite the pandemic, with star guests this year to include Olivia Colman and Ant & Dec.

The TP ICAP charity day is in its 28th year – a fixture of the Square Mile’s philanthropic efforts.

Each year for one day rival brokers take the day-off and direct all custom to ICAP, founded by City grandee Lord Michael Spencer, with profits going to charity.

This year’s event was assumed to be in dire jeopardy.

Today TP ICAP, based at Broadgate in the City, said the event will go ahead on December 10th.

This year though it will largely be a virtual event. While the brokers will be real enough, the celebrities are going to be beamed onto the broking floor on large screens to cheer the firm and its clients on.

Ant & Dec will be supporting the Prince’s Trust, while The Crown actor Olivia Colman will be supporting Refuge.

In addition, all of the action will be beamed onto the screens in Times Square in New York.

Since it began, ICAP Charity Day has raised some £150 million, and supported around 2,500 charitable projects around the world.

TP ICAP chief executive Nicolas Breteau: “This year, more than ever, we know that the charity sector is in great financial need. The health and economic crisis presented by COVID-19 has impacted everyone across the globe, and we want to continue to support charities to help the most vulnerable in society.”

He added: “This year’s event may look different, but what will remain the same is the energy and commitment of our brokers and clients to make ICAP Charity Day a resounding success and raise important funds for our charitable partners across the globe.”

Previous famous guests have included the Princes Harry and William, Charles & Camilla, Will Carling, Daniel Craig and Gareth Southgate.

One year, an actor in a Chewbacca suit mauled Cherie Blair to the general delight of the brokers present.