Brief
We Are Placemaking collaborated with Better Bankside to celebrate the historic Frost Fair. The Frost Fairs were mini ice ages that used to happen on the Thames from 1605 to 1814 when it would completely freeze over, bringing markets, entertainment, food and drink to guests around the area together.
Better Bankside wanted us to help bring this fantastic historical fair to life with a strong focus on celebrating the local community. Better Bankside has many hidden delights around its wider footprint and it was our job to bring busy commuters and tourists away from the popular Thames walk into the other areas of Bankside.
What we did
We Are Placemaking joined forces with Better Bankside to produce The Frost Fair, the first of its kind situated on Sumner Street behind the Tate Modern. We were tasked with bringing to life this usually quiet street to an event reminiscent of the revelry and merriment that was once seen on the frozen Thames.
In the lead-up to the event we worked hard on championing local businesses, companies and acts to have a real sense of community for the event.
For the three days of the event, we installed a stretch tent with benches, blankets, and heaters to keep guests cosy whilst they watched the varied performances on our tavern-inspired stage. This was paired with a market of 30 artisan traders for guests to browse along with a Skittles lane which would have been played back at the original fairs.
Our main program of events happened all around the space with acrobats, actors in costume, horse-drawn carriage rides, an interactive art legacy piece, an ice sculpture to raise funds for the Manna Society and then the big moment, a lifesize elephant puppet!
Better Bankside worked with local businesses in the area to offer a discount for the weekend. We also assisted in initially reaching out to create classes specifically for the event weekend. We helped put on screenings of Dr Who Thin Ice along with working with the local history buff, Mr Londoner, to create a wider footprint for the weekend.
The event was a great success, and we were lucky enough to receive coverage on ITV News.
Deliverables
Event and production management: creating a creative design deck, developing a budget, and producing a detailed production schedule for the event.
Stakeholder Management: liaising with the client and the public realm stakeholders.
Logistics Management: creating a sound logistical plan for the installation and de-rig of the event and working with multiple suppliers.
Sourcing and management of all suppliers: daily consultation, management, and ownership of the supply chain.
