The Covent Garden Puppet Festival and May Fair promises traditional fun in London.

Puppetry in Covent Garden
The Covent Garden Puppet Festival is an annual event celebrating the art of puppetry and the origins of Punch and Judy. Originally sighted by Samuel Pepys in May 1662, Mr Punch has become a central part of British heritage, celebrated traditionally in Covent Garden at the Puppet Festival and May Fair.

Festivities at the May Fair
The day begins with a brass band parade around Covent Garden starting at the church garden gate. The procession is lead by the Superior Brass Band, and takes in the Covent Garden Piazza where a toast is made to Mr Punch. This is then followed by a special church service, with none other than Mr Punch in the pulpit! Crowds can take part in traditional fun in London, including live music and a stream of puppeteers.

Fun for kids
Children can learn the tricks of the trade in puppetry workshops on the day and try their hand at some puppeteering of their own. Punch and Judy professors and puppeteers will be performing throughout the day, making for a fantastic way to celebrate Mr Punch's 346th birthday.

Live entertainment
The puppet shows in the Covent Garden Puppet Festival and May Fair kick off at 12pm and continue throughout the afternoon. Then from 5:30pm, kids and family will be entertained by folk music from the Lost Marbles String Band, Maypole dancing from Donna Maria's Maypole Spectacular and there will also be clowns, juggling and plenty more traditional English fare.

The Covent Garden Puppet Festival and May Fair takes place at Covent Garden on Sunday 11th May 2008. The grand procession starts at 10:30am from outside St Pauls Church. The event is free to attend.

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