Party At A Modern Frost Fair

Rachel Holdsworth
By Rachel Holdsworth Last edited 122 months ago
Party At A Modern Frost Fair

FrostFair200

It's 200 years since London's last recorded Frost Fair – when the Thames froze so hard it was possible to have a massive party on the ice. It began on 1 February 1814 and lasted four days. In commemoration of that event the Museum of London has two exhibitions about the Frost Fairs of 1814 and 1684, or you can take part in a (non-Thames-located) mini Frost Fair yourself.

Broadgate Ice Rink celebrates Frost Fair 200 on Monday evening with five free skating sessions (first come, first served, so get there early), market stalls, street games and live performances – including stilt walkers. There'll also be hot and cold food on hand, selected to be close to what those Georgian Londoners would have eaten, though they'll probably draw the line at ox-roasting. Grab a mug of hot cider from Corney and Barrow or some slightly less-than-authentic BBQ, but that's a fixture of the rink so can't complain.

Frost Fair 200 takes place between 5pm-10pm on Monday 3 February at Broadgate Ice Rink by Liverpool Street station. Entry and skating is free.

Last Updated 28 January 2014