About the Clown Church Service: The first Sunday in February is the annual clown church service at Holy Trinity Church in Dalston, East London. Clowns attend a memorial service for Joseph Grimaldi. Clowns often perform for the public after church service.
This has been an annual tradition since 1946. The service was moved to Holy Trinity Church in 1959, and in 1967 the clowns were given permission to attend in their costumes.
Note: Plan Get there early when the press photographers take effect and occupy a large part of the church.
Location: The service was previously held at Holy Trinity Church, Beechwood Road, Dalston, London E8 3DY, but since 2015 the service has been held at the sister church: All Saints, corner Haggerston and Livermere Roads, Hackney E8 4EZ
Nearest Train Station: Dalston Kingsland. Many buses serve Dalston Junction. Use Journey Planner to plan your route on public transportation.
Cost: The church service is free, but donations are always welcome.
About Joseph Grimaldi: Joseph Grimaldi is the most famous English clown. He was born in London in 1778 and died in 1837. His grave is in the Joseph Grimaldi Park in Islington, where you can “dance on his grave.”
Address: off 154a Pentonville Road, between Rodney Street and Cumming Street. Subway stations
Nearest: King’s Cross St Pancras and Angel
After the Clown Church Service: When the clowns leave the church, they are generally kind enough to perform before the waiting audience in the adjoining church room. The performance usually lasts around an hour and is great for families.
The hall is always packed at first, but the press leaves pretty quickly and then you can enjoy a family show for free. I’ve sat alongside clowns in the audience, which has also been a delightful pleasure.
The Clown’s Gallery: The Clown’s Museum moved from London to Wookey Hole Caves in Wells, Somerset.
However, Holy Trinity Church is the official ‘Church of the Clowns’ and has a Grimaldi corner and a small display of photographs, eggs and items in three display cases.
Also in the area: there is a lot to do in the area on Sundays, so make the most of the day.
If you like to shop, head to the Columbia Road Flower Market in the morning; browse the vintage stores on Brick Lane; shop for bargains at the stalls on Petticoat Lane, or shop for great jewelry, artwork or gifts at Old Spitalfields.
If you are looking for a cultural solution, consider a trip to the Children’s Museum or the Geffrye Museum.
