That's the way to do it! Courtesy of Alternative Arts

Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival

When: May 2009 (annual)

Where: St Paul's Church

Opening Hours: 10.30am-5.30pm

Address: c/o Alternative Arts, Top Studio, Bethnal Green Training Centre, Deal St, E1 5HZ

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7375 0441

E-mail: info@alternativearts.co.uk

Web site: Covent Garden May Fayre Website

The annual Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival has been delighting the crowds for around 30 years. Processions, a church service and a host of shows, including birthday celebrations for Mr Punch, are accompanied by folk music, dancers, clowns and jugglers.

Near the spot where Samuel Pepys first sighted Mr Punch on May 1662, a host of British puppeteers vie to woo passing audiences. Refreshments are provided by the Whitehall Choir, and performances come from the British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild, The College of Punch and Judy Professors, The Puppet Centre Tryst, The Union Internationale de la Marionette and the Punch and Judy Fellowship.

The day's events start with a toast to Mr Punch, and a brass band-led Grand Procession starting at Church Garden at 10.30am. A special church service is held at 11.30am in St Paul's Church, with a sermon administered by Rev Mark Oakley and Mr Punch himself...

Tourist Office

Visit London
There are drop-in Tourist Information Centres in Victoria Station, Liverpool St Station, Heathrow near the underground and other venues around London. See their website for details.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7234 5800
Fax: +44 (0)20 7378 6525