Clowns meet at London church - 24th February 2023

These clowns are at a church in London. They meet every February. They've got bright faces and clothes. The clowns are happy. They're there to celebrate the 'grandfather' of all clowns, Joseph Grimaldi.

Rob Bowker: "It's a real genuine church service in remembrance of Joseph Grimaldi who is revered as the first proper clown in England and so, our grandfather of clowning."

Modern clowns became popular in England 200 years ago. As a clown, Grimaldi was special. He wanted to make people laugh. Grimaldi moved his body but didn't talk. Today's clowns still use his ideas.

Not everyone likes clowns. Some people are afraid of them. They didn't come to the church! But some parents, like Rui Canico, brought their children to see the clowns.

Rui Canico: "We've never been in a similar thing before and I think, you know, it would be a nice introduction for him to the wonderful world of, you know, joy and colours and lights and microphones... (laughs)"

Andrew Davis was once the President of an international club for clowns. He came with his daughter. They were excited about seeing everyone.

Andrew Davis and daughter: "I like having fun with everyone and seeing everyone and catching up on what they've been doing and seeing what they have to do.

Andrew: And you like clowning, don't you? You like all the energy.

Yeah! (laughs)

Andrew: And the fun that we have when we when we get together yeah."

The day's important for another reason. It remembers lost clowns, from the past 12 months. The clowns want to say goodbye with a smile.

Rob Bowker: We like people to smile, we like people to laugh, we like people to enjoy life because at times it is far too serious. So that's where we're at. We're at the smiling end. Oh yeah! (laughs)"