| A reimagined 'Frost Fair' returns to London Did you know that between c.1605 and 1814, the Thames froze over no less than 24 times? With river trade paused, enterprising Londoners of yore would transform the capital's main artery into a hub of revelry known as a Frost Fair — with markets, pubs, coffeehouses, and all manner of entertainment taking place on the ice.
While we're unlikely to experience the thrill of strolling from bank to bank any time soon (cheers, climate change), the Frost Fair is nevertheless making a comeback. For the second winter a row, Bankside is paying tribute to this unique part of London history with three days of riverside fun, taking place on and around Sumner Street between Friday 26 and Sunday 28 January.
This modern day Frost Fair includes plenty of nods to the past, including an artisan market, horse and carriage rides, skittle lanes, and even a life-size elephant puppet (more on that later). What's more, most activities are completely free! Some must be booked in advance, though — hit the blue button to see the full programme and plan your visit, or read on for a few of our highlights. |
|
| Fun And Games Bankside's recreating the carnivalesque atmosphere of the OG Frost Fairs with traditional skittles games and Shire Horse-drawn carriage rides (the latter is available Saturday-Sunday only). Both of these family-friendly activities are totally free, but demand is expected to be high, so do book asap to avoid disappointment. |
|
|
| Tours And Workshops Frost Fairs were a time for artisans to really shine, as they took to the ice to sell their wares. Celebrate this history of craft-making by getting creative yourself with a free embroidery, pottery, painting or printmaking workshop. You can even learn more about what a Frost Fair was really like on a Mr Londoner walking tour, or at a screening of Frost Fair-set Dr Who episode (disclaimer: they probably didn't involve aliens). |
|
|
| A Proper Spectacle Music! Dance! Acrobatics! It's all happening on Sumner Street, as Bankside lays on the party vibes. Here, you'll also find all sorts of artisanal treasures to browse and buy. Oh, and watch out for the gigantic elephant puppet while you're there — it's following in the footsteps of a real-life one, which walked across the frozen Thames back in 1814. |
|
|
| Themed Food And Drink There's even more frosty fun to be had around the wider Bankside area, 26-28 January. A range of local restaurants, cafes and bars are serving up themed treats — from an elephant-topped hot chocolate at Where The Pancakes Are to Hilton Bankside's warming winter cocktails. Plus, Frost Fair visitors can get 20% off at the likes of Bar Duoro, Mallow, and Bread Street Kitchen. |
|
|
| | |
|
