2009 UPDATE:
No Frost Fair or Winter Festival this year. It should return in 2010.
About The Bankside Frost Fair:
Info from Southwark Council:
In severe winters, before London Bridge was widened in 1815, the River Thames would freeze over and people would take to the ice. The Bankside Frost Fair was re-established in 2003 to celebrate the history and culture of the Bankside area with local people and visitors, and to create London's biggest, award winning festive event.
Did you know under Southwark Bridge there is a Frost Fair frieze in grey slate by local Southwark sculptor, Richard Kindersley? Why not find it on your way to the fair?
When:
NOT HAPPENING IN 2009
Bankside Frost Fair is (usually) an annual event in December in London.
Entry Cost:
Free!Times:
tbc
Buy Christmas Presents - 2008 info:
The winter market will be made up of 40-50 quality arts and crafts stalls, selling those last minute stocking fillers including handmade jewelry, fine ceramics, wooden Christmas crafts, leather goods and other beautiful handcrafted accessories. There will also be several outlets selling festive food to keep you warm and a main bar serving mulled wine and ale.
Where:
Riverside Bankside, SE1 - outside Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe.
Nearest Tube Stations:
- London Bridge
- Southwark
- St. Paul's
Frost Fair Themed Lantern Parade - 2008 info:
Friday 12 December 2008, 4.30pm
Nearly 300 local school children take part with lanterns the shape of ice-skaters, dancing bears, and roasted chestnut sellers and much more. The parade ends outside Tate Modern, where a Frost Fair lantern scene will be assembled and remains on display for the whole festival.
Nearly 300 local school children take part with lanterns the shape of ice-skaters, dancing bears, and roasted chestnut sellers and much more. The parade ends outside Tate Modern, where a Frost Fair lantern scene will be assembled and remains on display for the whole festival.
Thames Cutters River Procession - 2008 info:
Saturday 13 December 2008, 11a
See traditional Thames Cutters carrying Frost Fair flags on the River Thames between Southwark and Blackfriars Bridges. The Livery men will disembark at Bankside Pier and parade in full uniform. Visitors should watch the boats from the best vantage point on the Millennium Bridge.
See traditional Thames Cutters carrying Frost Fair flags on the River Thames between Southwark and Blackfriars Bridges. The Livery men will disembark at Bankside Pier and parade in full uniform. Visitors should watch the boats from the best vantage point on the Millennium Bridge.
