What’s On at Borough Yards, 11am-3pm
Borough Yards will come alive with traditional games, free outdoor performances, roaming actors, puppeteers and music.
The Frost Fair is returning. Join us on 31 January throughout Bankside, as we celebrate one of the most extraordinary events in London’s history. From circa 1605 to 1814, the surface of the River Thames froze over 24 times, bringing all trade on the water to a standstill. So the people of Bankside took to the ice, creating ‘Frost Fairs’, with a sensational cornucopia of markets, amusement, food, drink, games, pubs, shops, entertainment and general revelry!
Inspired by the area’s rich heritage and lively characters, Bankside has reinvented the Frost Fair for the 21st century. Immerse yourself in street performances, traditional games, music, art and craft workshops, and even an elephant!
There will once again be Frost Fair themed food and drink and special activities across the wider Bankside area.
Borough Yards will come alive with traditional games, free outdoor performances, roaming actors, puppeteers and music.
Relive the legend of an elephant of 1814. Meet our baby elephant puppet as it roams Borough Yards.
Enjoy classics from our acoustic violinist.
Challenge family, friends and colleagues in our traditional games.
From bargemen to shopkeepers, accountants to animal handlers, the Frost Fair brought everyone to the ice. Look out encounters from our Frost Fair Folk throughout the weekend.
Join Mr Londoner for a tour to uncover the secret history of Bankside and the Frost Fair. Booking required.
Choose from magical winter themes like snowflakes and ice queens, or even transform yourself into an elephant.
From lunchtime, there will be workshops and interactive sessions organised by local creative powerhouses. Many require prebooking so click on the image to find out more.
Join Samme Snow for a doodle, create elephant masks with Alice Clarke, or fashion your own winter crown with Rosie Brooks. (12.30-4pm)
Join MYO Creative and learn how to make a winter wreath for your home. Booking required. (5pm)
Head to The Golden Hinde and get creative with hands-on winter crafts including paper lantern making, stamped Frost Fair prints, Tudor coin rubbings, and more seasonal activities to enjoy together. (2-4pm)
Step aboard The Golden Hinde and take part in a hands-on Willow-Doodling workshop inspired by the spirit of Frost Fair. A free drop-in space of ‘intuitive craft’, where everyone’s invited to play, create and doodle with willow. (2-4pm)
Enjoy a Frost Fair inspired hot chocolate with a gingerbread biscuit at The Distillery Bar, priced at £5. Available from 19-31 January.
Head to MAM and get 50% on all our hot drinks! Just say “Frost Fair” at your arrival!
Visit Mecure Bankside for a warming hot fruit infusion with bourbon, vanilla, apple, pear and orange, inspired by winter orchards and the historic Frost Fairs of the Thames.
Into the evening, Bankside’s characterful pubs will be hosting a variety of folk musicians playing acoustic sets.
Captivating songwriting and fiery tunes that combine mandolin, fiddle, guitar and banjo with powerful three part harmonies. Hear them at Mc & Sons.
Moonrakers will bring their traditional and contemporary folk music to Bankside with a tapestry of multi-instrumental acoustic sounds and harmonies. Hear them at The Glad.
Nastee Chapel's performances blend epic lyrical tales, clog dancing and guitar shredding with a heart warming presence that stirs up any audience. Hear them at The Union Jack.
Balamuc’s vibrant blend of East European folk music, songs and dances is guaranteed to lift the cold and get the floorboards jumping. Pre-booking required. Hear them at The Golden Hinde.
Want an overview of all the activities taking place at our Frost Fair weekend? Take a look at our full schedule and plan your day with ease! Don’t forget, many Bankside businesses are offering special discounts too as part of our Frost Fair Fringe.
Frost Fair 2026 downloadable timetable coming soon
