This is one convention where clowning around is encouraged.
A small army of clowns have returned to the east coast for an annual gathering.
Clown Gathering UK 2024 - now in it’s 10th year - is back in Lowestoft with a special showcase that features some of the most talented entertainers from across England, Scotland and Ireland.
The prominent convention returned to Lowestoft this week for the first time since 2020.
A week of seminars, lectures, workshops, networking and performances allows the professionals to pass on some tips, experiences and brush up on their skills ahead of showtime at The Seagull Theatre in Pakefield, Lowestoft.
With topics including what is a clown? alongside make up, costume and music workshops, circus skills and props and puns seminars, the clowns have been showcasing different clowning styles at the Hatfield Hotel, ahead of a live show to the public at the Seagull Theatre.
Tickets are still available for the Seagull Theatre show, which takes place from 7pm on Thursday, February 8 with organisers promising an "evening of delight, delectation and superfluous frivolity" as "clowns, fools, jokers and wondrous wits return."
With the gathering the brainchild of Lowestoft-based entertainer Andrew Davis - also known as Andy the Clown - he said: "This is the tenth anniversary of CGUK, with our last one held in 2020 just before Covid hit.
"One of the clowns, who is from Ireland, has just returned from clowning in Uganda - where he helped build a school - and our clowns have come from Scotland, Newbury, Brighton and St Albans this week.
"It is a five-day festival of fun featuring an eclectic mix of the finest clowns and it is great to be back."
With the week culminating in a live show at the Seagull Theatre, Andy the Clown said: "Come and join the fun.
"It's a show like you’ve never seen before - mixing dance, comedy and music - with tickets costing £9 and concessions £6."
For ticket details visit the theatre website or call the box office on 01502 589726.
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