50th Anniversary May Fayre & Puppet Festival

Punch & Judy Professors and Pupeteers from all over the UK gather, to celebrate 50 golden years of London's treasured May Fayre & Puppet Festival.

On Sunday 11 May 2025, the much-loved Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet festival will return to its annual venue: the garden of St Paul’s Church, also known as 'the actors church', near the spot where Samuel Pepys first saw Mr Punch in England, in May, 1662. Punch & Judy professors and pupeteers from all over the country will be gathering to perform, to celebrate 50 golden years of the festival, which welcomes thousands every year. Importantly, the event will also commemorate Mr Punch’s 363rd birthday, with a grand procession in the morning and a birthday toast, followed by a special church service at noon, where he will take centre stage in the pulpit. The afternoon will present many more performances, workshops, may pole dancing and music. All are invited to come and enjoy the shows and to celebrate the art of puppetry.