This winter, Bankside is celebrating one of the most extraordinary events in London’s history – the Frost Fair.

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!

Legend has it that when the Thames last froze over in 1814, an elephant was walked across the ice, adding an unforgettable spectacle to the Frost Fair.

The Frost Fair was also historically a time to celebrate community and help those in need.

Bankside's Frost Fair is working in partnership with local charity the Manna Society, which runs a day centre for homeless people, offering warm food and a warm welcome, as well as housing and welfare advice.

We're asking diners, drinkers and revellers to 'pay it forward', donating to ensure this local charity continues to provide this vital service in an extremely challenging time.

£3.50 will pay for the milk for 200 cups of coffee at the centre

£10 will pay for 5 hot dinners

£18.14 was the year of the last ever Frost Fair (until now)

£41 will cover the cost of food for one day at the centre

£70 will cover running costs & utilities for one day.