Bankside’s Frost Fair Returns: A Winter Wonderland Revival

Bankside’s modern-day Frost Fair, returning on Saturday 31 January 2026, revives a unique historical tradition inspired by London’s “Little Ice Age.” Historically, from 1605 to 1814, the River Thames froze over two dozen times, prompting entrepreneurial Londoners, particularly from Bankside, to set up vibrant “Frost Fairs” directly on the ice. These impromptu carnivals featured games, food, drink, shopping, and entertainment, serving as a crucial winter blues-buster during challenging times. The contemporary iteration, however, takes place safely on solid ground in and around Borough Yards, eliminating the risks associated with the frozen river while retaining the festive, heritage-rich spirit.

The 21st-century Frost Fair is designed as a free, family-friendly event bringing history to life through street performances, traditional games, live music, and crafting. Visitors will encounter Bankside’s Frost Fair Folk, roaming performers embodying the diverse characters of the historical fairs, alongside a massive elephant puppet, a nod to an 1814 fair where a real elephant crossed the Thames. Benefits include numerous free activities like winter-themed face-painting and traditional games such as hoopla. Children can enjoy drop-in art workshops, including doodling with Samme Snow, elephant mask-making with Alice Clarke, and paper crown-crafting with Rosie Brooks.

Creative opportunities extend to adults, with a discounted winter wreath-making workshop by MYO Creative, allowing participants to craft and take home a festive decoration. The Golden Hinde ship hosts additional all-ages crafts such as paper lantern making and Tudor coin rubbings, alongside object handling and a dress-up corner. For those interested in history, Mr Londoner offers a walking tour exploring the past of frost fairs. Attendees can also enjoy various food and drink offers, like Frost Fair-inspired hot chocolate at The Hilton’s Distillery Bar and discounted hot drinks at MAM, complemented by free live folk/acoustic music in local pubs like Mc & Sons and The Gladstone Arms, providing excellent midwinter revelry.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/things-to-do/bankside-s-modern-day-frost-fair-is-back)