In 1564 cold weather caused the River Thames to freeze. People started to go out onto the ice, and stalls were set up selling drinks and souvenirs. Similar events took place during cold winters in 1683/4, 1739/40 and 1814. The River Thames no longer freezes - the design of the bridges allows the river to flow more quickly, and the modern buildings keep the city's temperature higher. However, in 2003 the tradition of having a "Frost Fair" was revived on Bankside, on the South Bank of the river.

In 2007 the Frost Fair was on Friday 14 - Sunday 16 December 2007 on the South Bank (near Tate Modern)
(for more details, see: Ideas/Events/December)

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The photos on this page were taken during the Frost Fair in December 2005.

The fair opened with a lantern parade from Southwark Cathedral. A samba band was followed by local children carrying lanterns they had made.

The lantern parade ended at the Tate Modern. Inside the Turbine Hall was "Embankment" by Turner-prize winning artist Rachel Whiteread.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is next to the Tate Modern. Gift stalls were set up inside the exhibition hall, plus a "chocolate fountain".

A stage was set up on which there were a variety of performances of music and dance throughout the three days of the Frost Fair.

A 50 metre Ice Slide was set up.

Various street entertainers performed among the crowds.

There were about 40 stalls selling food and crafts

A simulator offered rides down the Olympic Men's Downhill ski run, through the eyes of Lasse Kjus (an Olympic gold medallist).

Ice sculptures were created by Duncan Hamilton and his team.