Inspired by the days when the River Thames froze over and traders took to the ice, the 2026 revival of the ‘Frost Fair’ is offering a line-up of free performances, workshops, and music-filled pubs.
On Saturday 31st January, Better Bankside are brining the ‘Frost Fair’ back to London, from 11am – 3pm and an ‘After Hours’ celebration from 7pm onwards.
The River Thames froze over an incredible 24 times between 1605 to 1814, bringing all river-based trade to a standstill.
The people of Bankside (‘Banksiders’) created an impromptu solution: a ‘Frost Fair’ on the ice, which allowed them to continue to make money with temporary markets, pubs, entertainment and revelry.
Better Bankside have now announced the full line-up of activities.
Arch 23 workshops:
A series of free creative workshops will be taking place at Arch 23, just off Flat Iron Square.
Samme Snow will be leading a doodle session on the walls of Arch 23 to creative a collaborative Frost Fair scene.
Get creative with Alice Clarke and make and decorate an elephant mask to wear around the rest of the Fair.
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Or, join Rosie Brooks to make wearable art by designing and decorating paper crowns to become characters like ice kings, snow queens or market animals.
Location: Arch 23 (off Flat Iron Square), 45 Southwark Street, London SE1 9HP
Time: 12:30 onwards
Tickets: You don’t need to book a time slot but you do need a ticket. Book on Better Bankside’s Eventbrite.
M.Y.O Creative, 5pm – 7:30pm:
Join M.Y.O Creative to learn how to make a gorgeous winter wreath to take home, with no prior experience required.
Decorate using natural pine cones, cinnamon sticks, dried fruits, baubles, ribbons and more. The team will show you some techniques, decoration ideas and examples.
Tickets usually cost £60pp for this workshop, but they are putting on a special offer for the Frost Fair, for £20pp.
Time: 5pm – 7:30pm
Location: MYO Creative Studio, 82 Redcross Way, London, SE1 1HA
Tickets: Book on Better Bankside’s Eventbrite
Golden Hinde ship craft workshops:
Head down to The Golden Hinde, the reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s famous Elizabethan galleon, to take part in a series of creative sessions in the afternoon and live music in the evening.
From paper lantern making to stamped Frost Fair prints, Tudor coin rubbings and other seasonal activities.
There will also be a hands-on Willow-Doodling workshop inspired by the Frost Fair.
From 7pm, East European folk band will be performing.
Time: 2 – 4pm for creative sessions, 7pm for live music.
Location: St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, London, SE1 9DE
No ticket required.
Borough Yards, 11am – 3pm:
Walking tours:
Join former museum directer, also known as Mr Londoner, for a tour to uncover the secret history of Bankside and the tradition of Frost Fairs.
The tour is free but booking is essential.
Location: Borough Yards, (outside Everyman Cinema), 3 Dirty Lane, London SE1 9PA
Time: 12:00
Tickets: Book tickets on the Better Bankside Eventbrite page
Elephant Puppet:
The ice on the Thames was so thick, it was even rumoured that an Elephant was marched across the ice near Blackfriars Bridge.
This legend is set to be revived in the form of a massive elephant puppet.
Traditional games:
Challenge family members or friends in a range of traditional games, such as hoopla, where players toss rings at targets.
Face painting:
Face painters will be roaming Borough Yards and turning children and adults into magical winter themes like snowflakes and ice queens. Or, you could even transform into an elephant.
Frost Fair folk:
Actors will also be roaming the area and interacting with attendees, from bargemen and shopkeepers to animals and their handlers.
‘After Hours’, 7pm onwards:
Bankside’s pubs will be hosting a variety of folk musicians in the evening, from 7pm onwards.
Mc & Sons, Borough:
The traditional Irish pub will be hosting the sounds of The Shackleton Trio, whose music combines mandolin, fiddle, guitar and banjo.
Location: 160 Union Street, London SE1 0LH
The Gladstone Arms:
The family-run live music pub just off Borough High Street will be welcoming the contemporary folk music of Oxford-based band, the Moonrakers.
Location: 64 Lant St, London SE1 1QN
The Union Jack:
The Union Jack, not far from Southwark tube station, will be hosting Nastee Chapel, Known for their lively clog dancing and guitar performances.
Food and drink:
Some Bankside businesses will be offering Frost Fair themed food and drink.
- Head to The Hilton’s Distillery Bar to get a £5 Frost Fair inspired hot chocolate and gingerbread
- Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar MAM is running a 50% off promotion if you quote ‘Frost Fair’ to a member of staff
