Happy 350th Mr. Punch!

Following a successful funding application to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Mr. Punch is set to celebrate his 350th birthday in grand style!

2012 is not just a special year for the Queen and those organising the London Olympics - it is also the 350th Birthday of Mr. Punch.

The Big Grin - the national celebration of Mr. Punch’s birthday - includes parties and events across the country throughout the year.

Visitors from around the world are coming to celebrate - both at Covent Garden on 12 and 13 May (where Mr. Punch was first spotted by Samuel Peyps in 1662) - and across the country.

There are lots of ways for people to get involved in celebrating this important milestone - attending one of the many events and parties planned, or getting involved in activities planned at schools and partnering venues such as the V&A Museum in London.

Visit the Big Grin website to keep up to date with all the news and events planned.