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Clowns meet at London church - 24th February 2023

Each February, groups of clowns meet at a church in east London. The place fills with clowns in bright clothes and colourful paint on their faces. They've come 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."

Grimaldi's style became popular in England at the end of the 18th century and the start of the 19th century. Grimaldi used to move his body in amusing ways. He didn't use words. These traditions have continued until now.

People who are scared of clowns won't be present today. But some people came along with their children, like Rui Canico. He wanted to introduce his son to this colourful world.

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."

Andrew Davis, once the President of the World Clown Association, was joined by his daughter. For them, the event's about getting together and chatting.

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

Andrew's daughter: "Yeah."

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

The service also remembers clowns who've died during the last year. Their clown friends feel it's necessary to say goodbye in the right way.

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."