News: Red Nose Sunday

Every year, clowns gather for a service at east London’s Holy Trinity Church in Dalston. The service, which takes place on the first Sunday in February, is in memory of Joseph Grimaldi – the most popular entertainer of the early 1800s and the first British clown. Grimaldi created the familiar white-faced makeup used by nearly all modern clowns.

The event attracts hundreds of performers from all over the world who attend in full clown costume. The public is welcome at the service that mixes prayers with pratfalls and slapstick. The clowns perform for everyone at the end of the memorial.

This year’s service takes place on Sunday 7 February 2016 at 3.00pm. Arrive early as the press photographers come out in force and take up a large section of the church.