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Clowns sent into Co Down for first international festival

Two clowns speak at the first International Clown Festival in Downpatrick, Co Down
Two clowns speak at the first International Clown Festival in Downpatrick, Co Down Two clowns speak at the first International Clown Festival in Downpatrick, Co Down

THE world has `sent in the clowns' to Co Down this weekend for the first international festival for the comedy art form.

Coulrophobics, many traumatised by Stephen King's 'It', will need to avoid Downpatrick which is hosting the inaugural International Clown Festival which kicked off yesterday and runs until Sunday.

The painted comics are a disunited fraternity, with the World Clown Association endorsing a rival international festival in India for a number of years.

There is also a rival Clowns International which claims to be the oldest clown society in the world, set up in 1946.

It holds an official register of make-up, with eggshells decorated as replicas of the specific clown's head.

Whoever claims to be the first or the biggest, organisers of the Co Down event promise this is a one of a kind and features street shows in St Patrick's Square, Scotch Street, English Street and Museum Courtyard.

More than 40 acclaimed clowns have already descended on the town, treating locals and visitors to a warm up for what promises to be a laugh out loud festival.

In addition to the obvious star attractions, there will also be pantomimes, jugglers, magicians, puppeteers, acrobats, bubble artists, stilt walkers, balloon sculptors and face painters.