From c.1605 to 1814, the surface of the River Thames froze over an incredible 24 times, bringing all river-based trade to a standstill. The people of Bankside, today we call them ‘Banksiders,’ responded with characteristic creativity and entrepreneurialism. An impromptu ‘Frost Fair’ was born on the ice, allowing traders to continue making money through a cornucopia of markets, pubs, entertainment and general revelry. It is even rumoured that an elephant was marched across the river alongside Blackfriars Bridge.

Business Improvement District (BID) Better Bankside brought back a reimagined Frost Fair to the area in 2024 and is set to continue the tradition this January. Immerse yourself in street performances, traditional games, music, art and craft workshops, and even an elephant! There will also be Frost Fair themed food and drink and special activities across the wider Bankside area.

Borough Yards: 11am – 3pm
Borough Yards is a culture-led, community-focussed destination to shop, eat, work and play, and on Saturday 31st January, from 11am until 3pm, it will come alive with traditional games, free outdoor performances, roaming actors, puppeteers and music.
Along with live, acoustic music, highlights include:
· Elephant Puppet: Relive the legend of an elephant walking across the Thames in 1814. Meet our massive elephant puppet as it roams the Borough Yards.
· Traditional Games: Challenge family, friends and colleagues in our traditional games including hoopla.
· FREE Face-Painting: Choose from magical winter themes like snowflakes and ice queens, or even transform yourself into an elephant (no booking required).
· Walking Tours (12 – 2pm): Join Mr Londoner for a tour to uncover the secret history of Bankside and the historic Frost Fair. Booking required here: 31 Jan – Unfreezing the Past with Mr Londoner Tickets, Sat 31 Jan 2026 at 12:00 | Eventbrite
· Frost Fair Folk: From bargemen to shopkeepers, accountants to animal handlers, the Frost Fair brought everyone to the ice. Look out for encounters with our Frost Fair Folk throughout the weekend.

Creative workshops: From 12:30pm Onwards
From lunchtime, there will also be workshops and interactive sessions organised by local creative powerhouses including M.Y.O and Art Academy.

At Arch 23 drop-in workshops will run from 12:30 – 4pm and will include:
– An immersive art installation led by artist Sammie Snow
– Rosie Brooks will be running winter crown crafting sessions
– Participants can also make elephant masks with Alice Clarke
Booking required here: Frost Fair drop-in doodle and crafting session Tickets, Sat 31 Jan 2026 at 12:30 | Eventbrite

At M.Y.O Creative, learn how to make a gorgeous winter wreath. Booking is required and the event costs £20pp (and is worth £60). Book here: 31 Jan – Frost Fair: You: Winter wreath making workshop Tickets, Sat 31 Jan 2026 at 17:00 | Eventbrite

Bankside’s iconic Golden Hinde ship will also be hosting creative sessions in the afternoon, followed by a band in the evening. Check the website for further details: Frost Fair 2026 – Bankside London

Most of the events and activities are FREE, will be family friendly and designed to appeal to a variety of ages. Some need to be booked in advance, so please check the website before attending.

Frost Fair Food & Drink
A number of Bankside businesses will be offering Frost Fair themed food and drink on the day, including:
– Frost Fair inspired hot chocolate and gingerbread at The Hilton’s Distillery Bar, priced at £5
– Mediterranean restaurant and bar MAM is running a 50% off promotion when quoting ‘Frost Fair’

Frost Fair ‘After Hours,’ 7pm Onwards
Into the evening, Bankside’s characterful pubs will be hosting a variety of folk musicians playing acoustic sets.
· Irish pub Mc & Sons in Borough will be hosting the fiery sounds of The Shackleton Trio
· The Glad (or the Gladstone Arms) on Borough High Street will be hosting the contemporary folk music of Moonrakers
· The Union Jack on Union Street will be hosting Nastee Chapel and their lively clog dancing, guitar performances

Nicole Gordon, CEO of Better Bankside commented; “The Frost Fair is a brilliant moment in the history of London’s Bankside, where the local community pulled together to turn, what could have been a disaster for business, into a fresh opportunity for trade and fun. The same energy and spirit is still very much alive and kicking in our area, in ‘London’s Other Side.’ Our own little version of The Frost Fair will be an opportunity for enjoyment and playfulness for all the family, providing some light relief in the middle of winter.”