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 at the Covent Garden 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 of St Paul's Church Garden. The procession 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 Covent Garden Puppet Festival and May Fair, making for a fantastic way to celebrate Mr Punch's 349th birthday.

Live entertainment
The puppet shows in the Covent Garden Puppet Festival and May Fair kick off at 10.30am and continue throughout the afternoon. Kids and families can also be entertained by folk music, Maypole dancing, clowns, juggling and plenty more traditional English fare.

The Covent Garden Puppet Festival and May Fair takes place at Covent Garden on Sunday 8th May 2011. The grand procession starts at 10.30am from outside St Pauls Church. The event is free to attend.

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