Celebrating 100 Years of the British Puppet Guild
Tuesday 29 July 2025 - The British Puppet Guild marks 100 years with a one day festival that’s part show part showcase all joy
A one-day festival of puppetry takes over the Belgrade Theatre this July
To mark its 100th anniversary, The British Puppet Guild is staging Coventry Puppet Festival, a full-day celebration of characters, craft and community at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry. The Belgrade, itself a vital part of the city's cultural story, is thrilled to host this milestone event in partnership with the Guild.
Step into a world of wonder and world-class puppetry as Coventry Puppet Festival takes over the Belgrade for a full day of performances, workshops and exhibitions, honouring 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.
The British Puppet Guild in association with the Belgrade Theatre presents
Coventry Puppet Festival
📍 Tuesday 29 July 2025 – Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
Events from £5, with free bookable sessions and drop-in exhibitions
All ages welcome
More info and Book
What to Look Out For
From 10:30am, the theatre will come alive with performances, workshops and special appearances from some of the UK’s most iconic puppet characters.
Whether you grew up with Sooty and Sweep, remember the magic of a marionette circus, or your children are just discovering what a puppet can do, this is a rare moment to celebrate.
Drop-in exhibitions and creative workshops throughout the day, including a display of toy theatre and historic puppets curated by Guild Chairman and Archivist Michael Dixon.
Live shows and roaming performances such as Miraiker’s Traditional Tales glove puppet show, Uncle Tacko’s Flea Circus, Sarah Peasgood’s paper theatre, and a full production of The Sooty Show.
Meanwhile, outside the building, The Meanderthals will be causing puppet mayhem.
Talks and masterclasses include Steve Hewlett’s Comedy Ventriloquism session and Parker Puppetry’s high-energy workshop on hand and rod technique.
Booking is essential for selected events, with prices starting from £5.
And at 7pm: A Night of Variety Like No Other – a celebratory closing performance featuring some of the Guild’s finest and funniest. Expect the unexpected.
About the Guild
The British Puppet Guild was founded in 1925 by a group of passionate performers and enthusiasts, determined to share knowledge, build community and support the future of puppetry in the UK. That spirit is still at the heart of the Guild’s work today.
For 100 years, the Guild has been a meeting place for artists, historians and audiences, whether through local events, publications or special projects.
The Guild also supports and maintains the National Puppetry Archive, a growing collection of artefacts, images and stories from Britain’s long tradition of puppetry and model theatre. From handmade glove puppets to ornate marionettes, the Archive is a treasure trove of creativity and craftsmanship.
In the Guild’s online shop, you’ll also find a range of entertaining and informative DVDs produced by members, offering insights into performance styles, construction techniques and the social history of the art.
About the Venue
The Belgrade Theatre has been at the heart of Coventry’s cultural life since 1958. Named in thanks for a post-war gift of timber from the city of Belgrade, its legacy includes the founding of the global Theatre in Education movement and early productions by figures such as Joan Plowright, Trevor Nunn and Leonard Rossiter. Today, it remains one of the UK’s most respected producing theatres, committed to creativity, community and the next generation of performance.
More info
Event Summary
📅 Tuesday 29 July 2025
📍 Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
Events from £5, with free bookable sessions and drop-in exhibitions
All ages welcome