The time has come! The iconic Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival is preparing to bring joy to the city with its 51st edition in 2026!
This colorful, entirely free, and family-friendly event celebrates the anniversary of the first recorded sighting of “Mr. Punch,” the ancestor of today’s famous Punch & Judy puppet shows.
A Laugh Echoing Through History
It all began in May 1662, when the famous diarist Samuel Pepys noted seeing an “Italian puppet play” around Covent Garden. Pepys’ historic observation was immortalized in 1962 with a plaque unveiled on the wall of St. Paul’s Church. Inspired by this heritage, the festival was first held in 1976 and has since gathered puppeteers and “Punch & Judy Professors” from all over the world in London. Aside from the pandemic years, this wonderful celebration has been held without fail on the second Sunday of May.
What’s On Throughout the Day?
- 11:00 AM – The Grand Procession: The day’s festivities kick off with a grand parade through the streets of Covent Garden, accompanied by the lively tunes of the Superior Brass Band. The procession culminates in the Covent Garden Piazza with a traditional birthday toast in honor of Mr. Punch.
- 12:00 PM – Special Church Service: A very special service is held at St. Paul’s Church, also known as the “Actors’ Church” due to its close ties to the theatrical community. This time, Mr. Punch himself takes to the pulpit!
- Afternoon – May Fayre in the Church Garden: Following the service, a full-blown spring fair begins in the church’s green gardens. Expect traditional fairground stalls, Punch & Judy shows (you can tell the kids that this is exactly what television entertainment used to look like!), puppet-making workshops, live music, and traditional maypole dancing. With plenty of rowdy and hilarious puppets to go around, there is no better way to spend a free and joyful Sunday afternoon with your family!
A New Touch
There is a slight change this year: the festival, which has been organized by Alternative Arts for years, will be hosted by Small Pond Theatre for the first time starting in 2026.
Mark Your Calendars:
- Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM (11:00 – 17:30)
- Venue: St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden
- Admission: Completely Free!
Whether you want to take a nostalgic journey with your children or simply enjoy one of London’s wonderful spring traditions, make sure to save this Sunday for Covent Garden!
