From 26-28 January 2024, Bankside will celebrate one of the most extraordinary events in London’s history – the Frost Fair - when 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 and entertainment.

This winter, Bankside will host a modern day Frost Fair, bringing to life the traditions of the past with a weekend of music, food, drink, horse and carriage rides, elephant parades, craft market, skittles and general revelry!

The Frost Fair was historically a time to celebrate community and so we are partnering 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.

January is a particularly hard time for those in need. Just a small donation can ensure this local charity continues to provide a vital service in an extremely challenging time.

£3 will pay for the bread for 28 sandwiches.

£5.43 will pay for milk for hot drinks & breakfasts for 120 clients.

£11.70 will cover the monthly food costs for one person for one month.

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

£25.46 will cover the weekly internet & telephone costs.

£59.59 will cover the Manna Society's weekly IT costs.

£80.00 will cover transport costs for picking up excess food from supermarkets for one week.