A spectacular winter event produced by We Are Placemaking on behalf of Better Bankside, was celebrated with a whole segment on ITV News over the weekend.
Frost Fair used to take place on the frozen Thames during winters over 400 years ago. And while the event in January kept with its traditional roots, it was somewhat reimagined…
From live music to dance performances, immersive actors, craft stalls, interactive games, film screenings, and one giant elephant – this event really did bring so much to the public realm, and we worked extremely hard to make it happen.
Hearing feedback like this from guests of all ages, as well as the amazing local businesses who took part, is simply something else.
You can check out the full ITV News report on YouTube below.
The event’s success also saw it written about in a wide range of media outlets – from What’s On favourites TimeOut, Secret London, MyLondon and Londonist, to more local publications such as Ham & High, Islington Gazette, Southwark News and Brixton Buzz.
Posting on the Frost Fair website, Better Bankside said: ‘The Frost Fair is returning for its second year. Join us from 26-28 January on Sumner Street, 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 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 and special activities across the wider Bankside area.’
In an excerpt about Frost Fair, TimeOut explained: “Frost Fairs have a storied history in London. Between 1605 and 1814 the surface of the River Thames froze over 24 times, so locals took to the ice creating ‘Frost Fairs’ with markets, amusement, food, drink, games and general revelry. Global warming might have scuppered the frozen river bit, but Bankside is recreating the roistering atmosphere with this weekend shindig. Look out for Thameside horse and carriage rides, outdoor ‘Dr Who’ screenings, craft workshops, artisan markets, a parade led by a life-size elephant puppet, ice sculptures, music and warming street food. It’s free to attend, but the organisers are encouraging donations to the Manna Society – a local day centre working with the homeless and vulnerable.”
