Clowns take over London church to celebrate Joseph Grimaldi

By Staff reporter
Published 4th Feb 2024, 16:58 GMT
Updated 4th Feb 2024, 17:25 GMT
placeholder image

People sporting red noses and spotty garments have lined church pews as the Annual Grimaldi Clown Service returned.

Now in its 78th year, the event sees people pay their respects to Joseph Grimaldi, who popularised the role of clowns in British pantomimes, as well as their slapstick humour and striking make-up.placeholder image
Now in its 78th year, the event sees people pay their respects to Joseph Grimaldi, who popularised the role of clowns in British pantomimes, as well as their slapstick humour and striking make-up.

The day was as popular as ever, with many attending All Saints in Hackney, London, with painted faces and bright bow ties.

The event has taken place on the first Sunday of February since the tradition began and is free, in the hope that many will continue to appreciate the quirks of being a clown.placeholder image
The event has taken place on the first Sunday of February since the tradition began and is free, in the hope that many will continue to appreciate the quirks of being a clown.

Despite being an annual tradition, the service is full of variety.

It has a focus on celebrating joy and laughter, with a mix of hymns and circus songs, and a few humorous antics thrown in for good measure.placeholder image
It has a focus on celebrating joy and laughter, with a mix of hymns and circus songs, and a few humorous antics thrown in for good measure.

Some of the standout clowns in attendance included a man and young girl who wore matching orange hats, glasses, red noses and thick drawn-on eyebrows.

If there was a competition for the world’s smallest hat, one woman at the service may have taken home the prize as she sported a tiny pointy black one on her head.

Related topics:All SaintsLondonUplifting
Register
Follow us
© 2026 Formpress Publishing LTD. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice