Channel 4's Comedy Gala is set to return to the O2 Arena on Friday 11th May 2012. It will mark the third year that the all-star stand-up benefit has been staged.

The full line-up for this year's show has yet to be announced, but big name stars including Lee Evans, Michael McIntyre, Jonathan Ross, Micky Flanagan, Sean Lock, Kevin Bridges, Jo Brand, Jack Whitehall, Jack Dee and Jon Richardson are amongst the acts that have already been confirmed.

The gala is backed by comedy agents Off The Kerb, who look after many of the UK's top comedians, including most of the names above. The agency's up-and-coming comics Seann Walsh, Josh Widdicombe and Paul Chowdhry will also perform in front of the audience of 15,000.

Established in 2010, Channel 4's Comedy Gala aims to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital. The first two galas have raised over £1.5 million for the children's hospital between them, and this year the plan is to raise enough money to pay for a brand new operating theatre so that surgeons can help more patients with rare and often life threatening conditions.

Tickets to the live event on 11th May are on sale now, with prices ranging from £40 - £100. To book, visit Ticketmaster via this particular link.

The full show will be recorded, with two hours of highlights set to broadcast on Channel 4 later in the year. A DVD release will follow.

Below is the musical 'tribute' from last year's show featuring the likes of Jack Whitehall, Jason Manford, Rob Brydon, Jimmy Carr, Jon Richardson, Micky Flanagan, Miranda Hart and Andi Osho.