Fun for the whole family at London’s Covent Garden
It’s that time of spring to gather in the lovely garden of St. Paul’s Church in Covent Garden for the annual Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival! This Sunday, May 11th, the garden will be transformed into a grand and colorful celebration for the 352nd anniversary of the first sighting by Samuel Pepys of Punch in England in May of 1662. (You didn’t think there could be fun and games without a wee bit of history in there, did you?) The Covent Garden May Fayre commemorates this first recording of Punch very near the spot where Pepys first saw Punch. To celebrate, Punch and Judy professors and puppeteers from all over the UK will be performing throughout the day.
Punch & Judy Shows at the Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival
Everyone is invited to join in the events from 10:30am to 5:30pm, and admission is free. Here’s a look at the schedule of events:
Grand Procession – 11am
A fun procession starting at the St. Paul’s Church gardens led by the Superior Brass Band through the Covent Garden neighborhood.
Special Church Service – 12noon
St. Paul’s is called the “actor’s church” and Sunday will see a special service with Rev. Simon Buckley and Punch in the Pulpit.
Punch and Judy & Puppet Shows – 12:30pm to 5:30pm
Enjoy Punch and Judy shows, puppet shows and workshops, stalls, refreshments, folk music by The Lost Marbles String Band, Maypole Dancing and clown shows.
(Image Credits: Sid Williams)
