A series of mini ice-ages beginning in the late 1600s caused the River Thames and even the sea to freeze over. The thick ice brought river traffic and business to a standstill. But threats create opportunities, and so the Frost Fair was created by entrepreneurial people of 17th century Bankside.
Designed to appeal to the senses, the fair became the epicentre of bawdy and surprising entertainment, food, drink – and even hunting on ice! Nobody realised that 1814 would see the final Frost Fair. A changing climate, on the very eve of the industrial revolution, meant the River would never freeze again.
Join Blue Badge guide Mr Londoner to explore all the fun of the fair and draw some parallels with our own times.
Meet outside the Better Bankside office, 18 Great Guildford Street, London, SE1 0FD AT 12:30pm.
Bankside’s Frost Fair takes place from 26-28 January 2024 from 11am – 6pm. Immerse yourself in traditional games, music and dance, artisan stalls, art and craft workshops, and even a life-sized elephant!
There will once again be Frost Fair themed food and drink, offers and special activities across the wider Bankside area.
