Celebrating 100 years of British Puppetry

The Belgrade Theatre is proud to host Coventry Puppet Festival, presented by the British Puppet Guild to celebrate 100 years of British puppetry.

Step into a world of wonder and world-class puppetry as Coventry Puppet Festival takes over the Belgrade for a full day of celebration marking 100 years of the British Puppet Guild.

This family-friendly festival brings puppetry to life throughout the theatre with live performances, hands-on workshops, talks, and variety acts, that showcase the magic, history, and humour of British puppetry. From nostalgic classics like Sooty and Zippy, to newer faces like Hacker T Dog and Arthur Lager, there’s something for everyone.

What’s on throughout the day:

10.30am - 4pm: Drop in Exhibitions & Workshops
Including the Toy Theatre Exhibition, and Puppet Exhibition by the Guild’s Chairman & Archivist Michael Dixon.

10.30am - 12noon & 2.30pm - 4pm: Weston Learning Space
Pauline Venables Drop-in Puppet Workshop. In this workshop Pauline will help you create your very own puppet.

10:30am - 4pm: Venue TBC, Melvin Rawlinson Puppet Workshop
Create your own puppet from sustainable materials with Melvin.

10:30am & 12.30pm: B2 Entrance, Uncle Tacko’s Flea Circus - Tony Liddington

11am: The Screen Room, Steve Hewlett Great Comedy Vents talk
(Pre-booking required - Free Tickets)

11am: Patrick Suite, Mastering the Art of Hand and Rod Puppetry with Parker Puppetry
(Pre-booking required. Tickets - £25)

11am & 2:30pm: Outside Main Entrance - Belgrade Square, Miraiker Traditional Tales Puppet Show
Traditional Tales Glove Puppet show plus kids have-a-go booth.

11.30am & 3pm: B2, Circus Marionette Show
(Pre-booking required. Tickets from £5)

11.30am, 2.30pm & 3.30pm: Burbidge Room, Sarah Peasgood Paper Theatre Show & Make a Puppet
Learn all about paper theatre and be inspired to have a go on a real stage with miniature characters.

1pm: B1, The Sooty Show
(Pre-booking required. Free Tickets)

7pm: B1, A Night of Variety Like No Other
(Pre-booking required. Tickets £17)

Appearing throughout the day: The Meanderthals, Phil Fletcher, Hacker the Dog, Zippy and George & Dax Danger

Download the timetable for the day here: Puppet Festival Timetable