Facing up to men's cancers, together

Event listings shown are drawn from the campaign's published calendar. Check the events page for the full listing and to register your own fundraiser.

Blue September is a global awareness campaign that encourages people to talk openly about prostate cancer and to support those living with the disease. Across the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland, the campaign brings together community groups, health organisations, employers and families to raise funds and to challenge the silence that often surrounds prostate cancer. The colour blue is the campaign's signature, worn and displayed to signal solidarity with men and their loved ones during the month of September.

The heart of the campaign is its calendar of events, which offers a snapshot of activities taking place in towns and cities nationwide. These range from musical performances and themed evenings to outdoor walks, motorbike shows and charity appeals, giving local communities an easy way to take part. The event listings make it straightforward for supporters to find something happening near them, and to contribute to a shared national effort throughout the campaign month.

One of the best-known traditions is the dawn walk, where participants gather before sunrise to walk into a new day in honour of those affected by prostate cancer. Organised at locations across the country, these gatherings create a reflective atmosphere while raising both funds and awareness. Walking groups welcome families, friends and colleagues of all ages, and the simple format makes it one of the most accessible ways for people to show support and to remember those who have lost their battle with the disease.

Live music forms another strong strand of the campaign calendar, with gigs and special concerts staged in venues including family hotels and local pubs. Performances by blues bands and other touring acts bring audiences together for an evening of entertainment with a charitable purpose, often donating proceeds to prostate cancer organisations. Pairing a familiar night out with a donation makes supporting the cause feel effortless, and it gives communities a memorable way to mark the campaign.

Culturally playful campaigns add humour and warmth to a serious subject. The New Zealand Father's Day appeal, for instance, encouraged people to give their dad the finger in a light-hearted nod to the campaign's signature hand gesture, raising funds for the appeal at the same time. Seasonal moments such as Father's Day are used to encourage open conversation between men and their families, combining gentle humour with a genuinely important message about early detection and support.

Blue Friday extends the campaign beyond a single day, with participating venues, workplaces and retailers dressing in blue and hosting themed activities. From coffee houses to community halls, businesses typically contribute a portion of their takings to the campaign, providing a simple and visible way to help. The visual transformation of familiar high streets and shopping areas makes the cause noticeable to people who might otherwise never encounter prostate cancer statistics, turning an ordinary Friday into a shared statement of support.

Across the United Kingdom and the United States, the campaign reaches into workplaces, clubs and local institutions, offering practical ways for organisations to get involved. Fundraising events, awareness displays and team challenges give groups a chance to contribute collectively, and employers often use the month as an opportunity to promote health information among staff. Community and family events ensure that the campaign resonates beyond those already familiar with prostate cancer, encouraging wider public conversation about a condition that affects many men.

Alongside fundraising, the campaign emphasises early detection and informed decision-making about prostate risk. Public messaging encourages men to speak with their doctors, to understand their family histories and to seek advice early, while reminding families that support matters just as much as treatment. This educational strand is what gives the events their weight: the money raised is important, but the campaign also exists to shift attitudes, reduce embarrassment and make it easier for men to ask for help when they need it.

The visual identity of Blue September reflects its purpose: a deep navy blue paired with a warm orange accent and generous white space creates a tone that is professional yet approachable. Bold headings, clear sans-serif typography and simple line-art icons keep information easy to read, while a diagonal motif in the main banner adds energy and forward movement. Cards and image panels are cleanly separated by alternating background blocks rather than heavy borders, giving pages an open, uncluttered feel that puts the messages and the calendar front and centre.

Getting involved in Blue September can be as simple as attending a listed event, taking part in a dawn walk, supporting a local gig or dressing in blue for the day. Websites like this one act as a central hub, gathering calendars, event details and campaign news so that people in different countries can see what is happening near them. By turning a month of activities into one accessible calendar, the campaign makes it easier for individuals, families, clubs and businesses to join together and make a meaningful contribution.