The Bartholomew Fair is back and it’s back in a big way. The 2023 revived Bartholomew Fair will be a three-week spectacular with a series of free performances, cultural events and unique entertainment throughout the Square Mile. Bartholomew Fair, which dates back to the 12th century and ran for 700 years, will run from 31 August to 16 September in different spaces across the Square Mile.
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said: “We are reimagining the capital’s greatest event and creating something that is truly extraordinary – a new landmark London cultural spectacular. With fantastic free fun for everyone, we are bringing the extraordinary story of the City to life, attracting audiences from across the capital and beyond.”
RESURGAM at St Paul’s Cathedral
Kicking off the fair is the jaw dropping RESURGAM performance on the side of one of London’s most historic landmarks. This 30-minute show aims to understand what it means to be hopefully in troubling times and will certainly move those below them. No need to book, just be sure to be at St Paul’s Cathedral from 6:15pm onward on 31 August to 2 September.
Eleven Thirty Three in the City
If you’re looking for something a little different than this is definitely for you. This alluring performance is an exciting reworking of Bartholomew Fair by Ben Johnson (1641) by Olivier award-winning artists and performer Kit Green. Running in a number of locations in the City between 1 to the 16 September you’ll want to double check to make sure you don’t miss it.
Funny Business
Time for some Funny Business at the Bartholomew Fair with world renown performer Fraser Hooper and his outstanding comedy show that will leave you in stitches. His performances incorporate the crowd in fun and unique ways that leave some running for the back and others pushing to the front to see more of the action. Be sure to check Funny Business out as it runs on the 31 August and the 1 September.
The White Wings
Have you ever imagined mystical, enchanting stilt dancers striding around the City? Neither have we but it is happening on the 16 September and it’s not something you’ll want to miss. The Close-Act Theatre is bringing their fantastic stilt dance performers with their flowing dresses and impressive wings to enchant the crowds, bound to charm and move you with their stunning performance.
Spark!
These mysterious LED drummers are coming to London to deliver a standout performance of music and energy. With unique and creative choreography, lighting and colourful characters this will be one to remember. Be sure to get in a good spot as they make their way around The Scalpel, Lloyd’s of London and Leadenhall Market on the 14 to 16 September.
What’s It All About?
The Bartholomew Fair is back and it’s bigger than ever. Running over three weeks, starting on the 31 August to 16 September on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of each week the fair boasts an impressive range of free performances, events and markets to keep everyone excited. Be sure to check out the Bartholomew Fair Marketplace, filled with comfortable seating to enjoy the alfresco dining and drinks. After a drink pop over to the Charity Super.Mkt, the first shopping space that brings together a number of charities to provide the best range of fashion to be found around. Along with all the live performances there are a number of family orientated workshops, such as ‘The Garden’ where creativity and imagination is encouraged, all while parents can get some rest in the comfy seats.
The fair has something for everyone to enjoy, whether you want to go see comedy with ‘Funny Business’, jaw dropping dance performance such as ‘RESURGAM’ and ‘The Majorettes’ or a circus display by ‘Dinner for All’. With over 30 free events happening during the fair there is too much to cover here, be sure to head to the official website to find out more and what you might want to go see. With so many amazing performances over the three-weeks it’s going to be a spectacular time in the City and not one to be missed.
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