Donations welcome on the door - no tickets available online

Welcome to the Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival, an annual celebration in the heart of the West End. The May Fayre is the country’s longest-running puppet festival and a joyful gathering where puppeteers from around the world come together to perform, share ideas, and inspire next generation of artists while celebrating the rich traditions of the past.

The story begins in 1662, when diarist Samuel Pepys recorded seeing “an Italian puppet play” in Covent Garden, the first written account of a Punch and Judy show in England. Three centuries later, in 1962, a commemorative plaque was placed on the wall of St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, known as the Actors’ Church. Inspired by this historic connection, Alternative Arts launched the first Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival in 1976, celebrating Mr Punch’s birthday.

Since then, the festival has taken place every year on the second Sunday in May, always in the garden of St Paul’s Church, marking 9th May 1662 as Mr Punch’s official birthday. Over the decades, it has grown into an international event, welcoming performers from across Europe, America, and Australia.

The festivities begin at 11am with a grand procession of puppets and puppeteers, led by a brass band. The parade visits the plaque in Covent Garden, where a toast is raised to Mr Punch. At noon, a special service is held inside St Paul’s, often with Mr Punch himself making an appearance in the pulpit.

The afternoon is filled with performances from some of the finest puppeteers and Punch and Judy shows in the country, alongside clowns, magicians, stilt walkers, pearly kings and queens, and other entertainers. Visitors can also explore stalls selling puppets for professionals and enthusiasts alike, as well as a range of arts and crafts and refreshments.

Now in its 51st year, and produced by Small Pond Theatre, we look forward to welcoming you to Covent Garden on Sunday 10th May 2026.

www.mayfayre.uk

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