Clowns pack east London church for tribute to the father of modern clowning

Brilliantly colored wigs, parasols and minuscule hats filled the centre of an east London church as men and women sporting white face-paint, polka-dot bow-ties and bright red noses sang hymns and said their prayers.

The 350 people gathered Sunday at Holy Trinity Church were remembering one of Britain's best-known clowns - as well as recently departed friends - in their own, unorthodox way.



The service, which has been drawing clowns to this dour, red-brick church for more than 45 years, was held in honor of Joseph Grimaldi, known to many as the father of modern clowning. The service also honours clowns who have died in the past year.

The attendees kept the service bright and cheery. Roly Bain, the clowns' chaplain, blew bubbles from the pulpit and, at one point, a clown rode his unicycle down the aisle.



The Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin, a vicar at the church who helped organize the event, said the clowns had a religious role to play.

"In the Bible, in the New Testament, it talks about us being fools for Christ and in a sense they clown around, they fool around, and they try to help people see the lighter side of life. think from that perspective, that they have a ministry to perform."

There's a photo gallery here.