Grimaldi Clowns’ Service

What to expect

Before the 3pm service, clowns gather outside and in the church, often performing small routines and tricks to warm up the congregation. Then a parade of clowns enters the church, one carrying a wreath laid in Grimaldi’s honour. The service itself mixes hymns and prayers with clowning, and the names of clowns who have died in the past year are read out while a child carries a candle down the aisle for each. Afterwards there are usually more chances to meet the performers and take photographs. Expect a lively crowd of photographers and families as well as worshippers.

The story behind it

Joseph Grimaldi (1778-1837) was the great star of Regency pantomime, famous for his white-faced 'Joey' character, songs and slapstick, and every clown called 'Joey' since owes him a debt. A memorial service in his honour has been held every year since 1946. It began at St James’s Church, Pentonville, near his grave, and when that church closed it moved in 1959 to Holy Trinity, Dalston, which became known as the clowns’ church. The service has since moved to All Saints, Haggerston, keeping the tradition alive in the same corner of Hackney.

Watching and joining in

Arrive well before 3pm, as the church fills up and the best clowning often happens before the service starts. This is a real act of worship as well as a spectacle, so be respectful during prayers and the reading of names. Ask before photographing performers and follow the church’s photography policy. Its published service page requires a worn press pass for photographs; confirm the next edition’s arrangements before bringing a camera. Children usually love it. Wrap up warmly for waiting outside in February.

Where to watch

Seats are free and handed out in order of arrival, the church says, so it pays to turn up with time to spare — especially if your group wants to sit together — though nobody gets a claim on a particular pew. Calendar Customs notes that the front rows are kept for the clowns, and on a previous visit described views from the side aisles and a gallery; that’s how the building has been used before, not a seating plan for next time.

Ask a steward where to sit, and keep the aisle clear for the procession and the acts of remembrance. A view down the nave can beat the closest seat if you want to follow the movement of the service. If you need to slip out early, mention it when you’re shown to your seat so you can leave quietly. Families should choose a spot where children can see without standing on the furniture or blocking someone else’s view.

Taking part

The church’s own service page sets out a press-pass arrangement and says photographs aren’t allowed without the required pass. Lots of cameras doesn’t mean everyone may snap away. Ask the church about the current rules for ordinary visitors, for press and for photos outside, before you travel if photography is your main reason for going.

A clown happy to pose and a venue happy for you to take the picture are two different permissions, and you need both — particularly during prayers and remembrance. Don’t wander about for shots while the congregation is listening, and keep the main aisle clear even if a showstopping routine is going on nearby. The service remembers people who have died as well as celebrating skill and laughter, and some moments call for the camera to go away. For families, sharing the experience and chatting about a favourite routine afterwards makes a better souvenir than filming the whole afternoon.

Questions people ask

Where it is

The pin shows the approximate area. Open in OpenStreetMap