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The Clown's Church
A highlight of Clowns International's calendar is the Joseph Grimaldi Memorial Service; a unique Church Service, annually held on the first Sunday of February at the Clown's Church, the Holy Trinity, Beechwood Road, Dalston, London.
Clowns started meeting annually for divine worship in 1946. These reunions began informally and initially took place at St James Church, Pentonville Road, Islington; the connection being that Joseph Grimaldi was buried in the Churchyard. February was the chosen month as performers were generally in the London area, Circuses, such as Bertram Mills at Olympia, Tom Arnold's productions at Haringay Arena or Jack Hylton's shows at Earls Court. Alternatively, many circuses had their winter quarters in the locality. Increasing numbers of Clowns attended.
St James Church has since been demolished, but Grimaldi's grave preserved, with the graveyard transformed into a Memorial Garden. A summer celebration has been inaugurated by the residents of Islington. This occurs during the children's half term (either the last week of May or the first week of June). The date also coincides with Joey's death and burial, but is far from a gloomy affair; the sum usually shines on a festive outdoor occasion, full of fun and laughter.
