Brief
Better Bankside, a Business Improvement District (BID) focused on making Bankside a better place to live, work and visit, brought us in to help revive a beloved winter tradition with a bold, creative twist.
Frost Fair took place on 31st January from 11am to 3pm in Borough Yards, London. Inspired by the historic Thames Frost Fairs, the event was designed as a free outdoor activation to attract footfall and connect with audiences of all ages through art, play and spectacle.
Following our successful delivery of the 2024 Frost Fair, Better Bankside re-engaged We Are Placemaking to bring our creative flair, stakeholder insight, and production expertise to the 2026 edition. We also worked alongside We Are OPS to ensure the event ran safely and smoothly from start to finish.
A striking example of placemaking in action, the Frost Fair brought the public realm to life with heritage-inspired creativity.
Delivery
- Full event production for a single-day activation in Borough Yards
- Concept creation inspired by the historic Frost Fairs
- Performer sourcing, including a giant roaming elephant puppet and live Victorian Violinist
- Supplier auditing and management to ensure seamless on-site delivery
- Health & safety planning in collaboration with We Are OPS
- All-ages programming including large-scale games and interactive installations
Results
- Delivered a safe, high-quality event in a busy city-centre location
- Created a standout winter experience for passersby, workers and families alike
- Strengthened Better Bankside’s reputation for cultural leadership and public engagement
- Built on the legacy of the 2024 edition, showing consistency and creativity in the local calendar
- Partnership with We Are OPS ensured operational excellence and regulatory compliance
