Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival

Mr Punch’s 356th birthday will be celebrated with a party in Covent Garden near the spot where Samuel Pepys recorded his first sighting of Mr Punch in May 1662. A plaque commemorating this momentous occasion is situated on the portico wall of the Inigo Jones church of St Paul’s.

Punch and Judy Professors and Puppeteers from all over the country will be coming to perform throughout the day. We invite everyone to come and enjoy the shows and celebrate the art of puppetry.

The programme is as follows:

11am - GRAND PROCESSION around the neighbourhood of Covent Garden starting in the Church garden, led by the Superior Brass Band with a birthday toast to Mr Punch by the commemorative plaque on the church wall in the Piazza.

12noon - SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICE with Mr Punch in the Pulpit.

12.30pm to 5.30pm - PUNCH AND JUDY & PUPPET SHOWS, Puppet Workshops, Stalls, Refreshments, Folk Music by The Lost Marbles String Band, Maypole Dancing & Clowns.