Ned Dyke-Coomes/Alternativearts.org.ukPunch & Judy Professors and Puppeteers from all over the country will be gathering inside the garden of St. Paul's church to celebrate the annual May Fayre & Puppet Festival.
Mr Punch and Samuel Pepys
Photo: alternativearts.org.ukIt was on this very spot that London diarist Samuel Pepys made the first recorded sighting of Mr Punch on the 9th May 1662.
Mr Punch has always been an anarchic character, bashing people with his stick and poking fun at the establishment, which is probably why he has remained so popular for 350 years.
Photo: Ned Dyke-Coomes/Alternativearts.org.ukThe cast of characters always include a clown, a hungry crocodile and a bossy constable, Policeman Jack, who will probably get walloped by a string of sausages.
Grand Procession and Punch & Judy shows
Photo: alternativearts.org.ukThe day's festivities will begin at 11 AM when a brass band leads a procession around the grounds of Covent Garden, ending with a toast to Mr Punch by the memento plaque that's fixed to the portico wall of St. Paul's church (not to be confused with the cathedral).
Photo: londondrum.comThis will kick off an afternoon of Punch & Judy shows performed by ‘Professors’ from all over the UK, Europe, America and Australia, and lots of family-friendly activities like puppet workshops, maypole dancing and folk music in the garden.
Church service with Mr Punch
Photo: londondrum.comAt 12 noon there will be a special service inside St. Paul's church with Mr Punch appearing in the pulpit.
