London is to have its own Clown Festival. And we are promised "barely a red nose in sight".

Running at London's newest Arts Hub The Omnitorium from June 10 - 19, London Clown Festival is a festival of physical comedy and clown-influenced contemporary performance. It explores what clown is to the modern performer and their audiences. There will be 34 shows over 10 days featuring acclaimed artists, alongside up and coming new talent from over 10 nationalities. Including BAFTA and Chortle Award Nominee - Spencer Jones (pictiured, Friday 17, 8:30pm) and multiple award winner – Lucy Hopkins (Surprise Event, Tuesday 14, 8:30pm)

In creating this Festival, the organisers hope to share the joy and exhilaration of Clown with a wide breadth of audiences both young and old and to help to alter the image of Clown in the public consciousness. In recent years there has been upsurge in comedy and theatre of performers who have been influenced by the teachings of legendary physical performance trainers Lecoq and Gaulier.

Many of these students have gone on to become celebrated award winning artists. The aim of the festival is to show, among other things, that clowns do not have to conform to the red-nosed circus stereotype. 

The opening Cabaret and press night event will be held on Friday 10th June at 8:30pm. Balkan Bad Boys Boris & Sergey host a night of hilarity and absurdity, featuring acts from the festival. Entry will be free for this event.

The London Clown Festival is a joint collaboration between Flabbergast Theatre Company and award-winning physical comedian Dan Lees.

The London Clown Festival runs from June 10 - 19. More info and full line-up here.