Plan Your Visit

Bartholomew Fair 2023 - Plan Your Visit and FAQs

Information to help you plan your visit, and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

1) Plan Your Visit to Bartholomew Fair

Information to help you get the most out of your visit to Bartholomew Fair.

1.     How to get to know the programme of events each week:

Bartholomew Fair runs for three weeks from 31 August to 16 September.

Live events take place on Thursday to Saturday each week:

  • 31 Aug – 2 Sept
  • 7 – 9 Sept
  • 14 – 15 Sept

On Thursdays and Fridays the event opens at midday but the majority of performances take place from 3pm – 10pm. On Saturdays the event runs from 1pm – 10pm.

Each week the Bartholomew Fair visits new locations in the City and the programme changes. This means you can enjoy multiple visits to the Fair, experiencing something new every time you come.

Each week the daily programme is repeated, providing multiple opportunities for most performances to be watched on different dates, times and locations. Don’t worry if you don’t get to see if all on one day, you can come back the following day/s and enjoy all the shows you couldn’t fit in the first time round.

A handful of performances only happen on certain days. The dates of performances are clearly provided on each performance listing on the Bartholomew Fair website.

Outside of the main event days you can also see a stunning projection installation across six buildings in the City every night from 8pm – 10pm from 7 – 16 September. Follow Me Into (by imitating the dog) weaves a magical story full of figures from the City’s past.

2.     How to choose what to see:

Each performance listing provides you with the date, time, location and duration of show. There is also information about what you can expect from the performance i.e. family friendly or great for kids, whether there is spoken language or what artforms you can expect to see.

We hope this information is useful to help you decide what shows you’d like to watch.

Once you have decided you can use our schedule of events and map to help plan your day/s.

Don’t forget if you need a rest or a break from seeing performances you can check out our Always On Activities including the Bartholomew Fair Market Place, where you can put your feet up with some delicious food and drink.  Charity Super.Mkt with fashion pop ups from multiple charities and The Garden, our family hub, a special place for families to make, play, relax and discover.

We recommend coming to the fair for more than one day and on more than one weekend so you can experience as many of the 250+ unique and spectacular performances and experiences the fair has to offer.

3.     How to get the most out of your visit to Bartholomew:

  • Be mindful of other people’s personal space and comfort zones
  • Allow children to the front, and be aware of sight lines by sitting down, where possible
  • Please respect our staff and volunteers and follow their advice – they’re here to help

4.     How to ensure you follow the rules of the site:

  • No illegal or controlled substances are permitted at the event
  • No glass, weapons, pyrotechnics, illegal items or any other items which may cause danger, offence or disruption will be permitted into the event
  • Security reserve the right to ask you to leave the event site if deemed necessary
  • Some sites allow service dogs only, and events may be loud and busy
  • Feeling unwell? Please do not enter our sites if you have any symptoms of Covid-19 to help keep each other safe.

5.     How to keep safe during the event:

  • The safety and wellbeing of our visitors and staff is extremely important to us.
  • Our trained security stewards and front of house team will welcome you and be on hand across our sites throughout to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all.
  • We work closely with the City of London Police and emergency services to ensure our security procedures are up to date and following best practice. We also engage with the City of London Police on Project Servator and continuously focus on delivering safe and secure environments for our events.
  • CCTV operates throughout the City of London to assist in the prevention and detection of crime, to aid public safety, and assist with management of the public highway.

6.     How to keep everyone else safe during the event:

  • We remind all visitors that you have an important role to play by reporting anything that doesn't feel right, for example, an unattended item or someone acting suspiciously.
  • If you see anything concerning, please tell a member of our staff who are positioned at the performance and Marketplace sites. We will always take your concerns seriously.
  • Please cooperate fully with all security checks and support these vital members of our team as they carry out important work to keep us all safe.

#BeSafeBeSound

www.counterterrorism.police.uk/safetyadvice/

7.     How to prepare for different weather conditions:

The team at Bartholomew Fair team is constantly monitoring the weather. All events will go ahead, unless it is unsafe to do so. Please listen out to onsite announcements, or check our social media to keep up to date! Updates will be posted on https://twitter.com/thecityofldn

Remember:

  • Be safe in the heat by drinking lots of water, wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and looking after one another
  • Be prepared for rain by wearing suitable footwear, bringing a raincoat or poncho
  • Lots of our sites get cold at night. Remember to bring layers to keep warm.

8.     Accessibility / Access to Bartholomew Fair locations

Our friendly staff and volunteers will greet you.

All of our sites:

  • Are relaxed
  • Are wheelchair accessible
  • Welcome Assistance Dogs
  • Have chairs available

If you have access requirements and need support during the event our team of staff and event stewards will be happy to help you.

At the performances of Resurgam and Dinner for All there will be an accessible viewing area. Please speak to our event team or stewards if you require assistance.

9.     Filming and photography

The event will be filmed and photographed for marketing purposes. Please see the City of London Corporation’s privacy notice for more information.

We'd love to see your experiences of Bartholomew Fair - if you share any photos of the Fair on social media, please do tag us #BartholomewFair2023 (and @thecityofldn on Instagram and Twitter).

10. Special effects and stage props

There are a number of performances that involve loud bangs and stage weapons as part of the theatrical performance. All the performers are highly experienced in using these items and the activity has been fully risk assessed. The City of London Police and emergency services have been notified regarding the content of the shows.

2) Frequently Asked Questions

The Bartholomew Fair team have created some frequently asked questions to help you plan your day, get the most out of your visit and answer any questions you may have.

However if your question is not answered please reach out to the event team at destination.city@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the Event

11. What is Bartholomew Fair?

Bartholomew Fair 2023 is over three weeks of free stunning performances and cultural events, as the City of London’s historic fair is reimagined.

From 31 August to 16 September, the City will become the stage for an array of exciting, unique entertainment, and live performances taking place across the Square Mile.

Bartholomew Fair, which dates back to the 12th century and was last held in 1855, began as a cloth fair and quickly became London’s pre-eminent event, entertaining visitors for over 700 years. It drew acts and crowds from all over the country and further afield.

The City’s revival, which takes place from 31 August to 16 September, sees a programme of UK and internationally renowned artists bringing a modern twist in a spectacular celebration of contemporary culture and the City of London’s unique heritage.

The epic recreation of Bartholomew Fair in the City of London will see over 250 free events, live performances, and unique spectacles in a contemporary reimagining of the capital’s greatest historic event.

The exciting full programme includes the world-premiere of RESURGAM, a stunning vertical dance performance on St Paul’s Cathedral; Dinner for All, a major immersive theatrical circus experience; and Carnesky’s Showwomen Spectacular, a new promenade theatrical show directed by Olivier award winner Marisa Carnesky.

12. Is the event free?

The event is mostly free, accessible and drop in, taking place outside on the streets, squares, gardens and walls of the City.

There are two performances in the programme that you need to purchase tickets for in advance, the Midnight Run and Cuckoo.

The Markets, Merriment and Mayhem by the City Guides, is free but must be booked in advance.

13. When does the event take place?

Bartholomew Fair runs for three weeks from 31 August to 16 September.

Live events take place on Thursday to Saturday each week:

  • 31 Aug – 2 Sept
  • 7 – 9 Sept
  • 14 – 15 Sept

On Thursdays and Fridays the event opens at midday but the majority of performances take place from 3pm – 10pm. On Saturdays the event runs from 1pm – 10pm.

Outside of the main event days you can also see a stunning projection installation across six buildings in the City every night from 8pm – 10pm from 7 – 16 September. Follow Me Into (by imitating the dog) weaves a magical story full of figures from the City’s past.

14. Do any performances use sound?

There will be amplified sound at a number of performances as part of the Fairs and the Maze. Noise levels for outdoor performances with sound will be monitored by the event team. All performances with amplified sound will be finished by 10pm at the latest.

Travel and transport

15. Can I drive to and around Bartholomew Fair?

It is strongly recommended that visitors leave their cars at home and walk or use public transport where possible.

16. Will the event affect parking in the City of London?

Normal parking restrictions will be in force in the City of London for Bartholomew Fair. For details regarding parking please visit - cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/parking

17. How can I get to Bartholomew Fair?

The City has excellent train and tube connections from whichever direction you’re coming from. It’s accessible via seven London Underground tube lines, plus the Elizabeth Line, DLR, London Overground, and various National Rail services.

 

Stations within the City: Aldgate, Bank, Barbican, Blackfriars, Cannon Street, Chancery Lane, City Thameslink, Fenchurch Street, Liverpool Street, Mansion House, Monument, Moorgate, St Paul’s, and Tower Gateway.

 

Stations on or near the edge of the City include: Aldgate East, Farringdon, Shoreditch High Street, Temple, Tower Hill. Other options to get into the City of London include bus, riverboat services (Blackfriars Pier and Tower Pier), and dedicated cycle routes. You can also walk to the City from other parts of central London - and beyond

 

18. Will the event cause travel disruptions?

We do not anticipate the event causing travel disruptions. We recommend you check with your travel operator for specific information before you travel to the event.

For updated travel advice across London during Bartholomew Fair, please visit tfl.gov.uk

However there will be a number of planned road closures as part of the event. You can round out more about the road closures here.

19. Can I get a taxi or minicab to or around Bartholomew Fair?

Yes,  but we recommend you travel to the event on foot or by public transport if possible.

20. Can I bring bikes to the event?

Bikes are not permitted at the Fair. In order to experience the best of the event we strongly recommend accessing the event on foot.

You can use your bike to come into and get around the City. Bike parking provision Information on bike parking can be found here.

Plan your day

21. Is this event for me?

Bartholomew Fair has been designed to be enjoyable for everyone. The programme is suitable for audiences of all ages.

There are over 250 performances and events to choose from. On the website each performance listing provides key information about the content of each event or activity to help you plan your day.

22. Is the event suitable for children?

Yes, the event can be enjoyed by all the family. Performances which are particularly great for kids have been identified on the website. Additionally there’s a programme of workshops, activities and games in The Garden specially curated for families.

Event organisers cannot be responsible for children or vulnerable people whilst at the event. All children under the age of 16 should be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

23. Can I bring…

Bags – we recommend limiting the number of bags you bring to the event if possible.

 Buggies –  As events take place outdoors in the public realm there are no specific buggy parks at the performance sites. If you visit The Garden there will be space for buggies. You are responsible for the safety of your buggy if left unattended.

Photography equipment - The streets are likely to be busy with visitors, and it is recommended that you do not bring camera tripod. If you do bring tripods or selfie sticks with you, please use them sensibly.

Food and drink – Food and drink is permitted, but please do not bring glass or alcohol with you. There will also be an array of food and drink options at the Market Place. There are many fantastic food and drink options across the City as well that will welcome you on the day.

Alcohol – please do not bring alcohol with you. There will be a bar or local provision at the Market Place.

24. Will there be toilets and disabled toilet facilities available?

Free toilets are available each week during Bartholomew Fair:

31 August - 2 September - Paternoster Lodge in Paternoster Square, local businesses at the Market Place on Carter Lane and The Refinery in New Street Square.

7 - 9 September - Aldgate Tap in Aldgate Square, local businesses at the Market Place on Middlesex Street and Broadgate Circle.

14 - 16 September - portaloo event toilets at West Smithfield (including an accessible toilet and baby change), local businesses at the Market Place on Cloth Fair and at the Cheesegrater.

Additional details of public toilet provision in the City of London.

25. Are there covered areas if the weather is bad?

Bartholomew Fair mostly takes place outdoors without indoor or covered space. If the weather is bad shows may need to be rescheduled or stopped if it is unsafe. Please listen out to onsite announcements, or check our social media to keep up to date. Updates will be posted on https://twitter.com/thecityofldn

From 8 - 9 September 1133 takes place undercover at 100 Liverpool Street.

From 14 - 15 September 1133 takes place undercover at Leadenhall Market. The Garden and Market Place is undercover at the Cheesegrater. All other Garden events take place outdoors but there will be gazebos to provide some shelter during workshops.

On 16 September, Carnesky's Showwomen Sideshow Spectacular takes place undercover in Smithfield Market.

Please remember the event takes place in September and weather will be variable. This means you should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared if it rains or if it is cold.

26. Can I bring my dog to the event?

We recommend you do not bring your dog with you to the event. It is  likely to be busy in the City and may not be the best environment for your dog. In order for you to maximise your enjoyment of the event and ensure the safety of your animal please leave your dog at home.

This is with the exception of assistance dogs, which will be permitted in all event locations.

27. Will there be food and drink at the event?

You can sample delicious food and grab a refreshing drink at the Market Place. Each week will have a different offer to tantalise your tastebuds.

There will be a dazzling array of hospitality businesses, retailers and leisure providers in the City opening their doors for Bartholomew Fair.

28. Are there bins on site?

Event waste disposal bins are situated at each Market Place. We encourage you to make use of the food waste and recycling bins that will be available.

Other public bins are available across performance locations and we will have a team of cleaning operatives supporting waste collection during the event.

Please dispose of your waste responsibility.

Help before, during or after the event

29. Who can I ask for general assistance?

The event team will be on hand to help you throughout the event, located at information points across the different sites:

  • 31 August - 2 September - Paternoster Square and New Street Square (31 Aug and 1 Sept only).
  • 7 - 9 September - Aldgate Square, Middlesex Street and a mobile team at Broadgate.
  • 14 - 16 September - West Smithfield and the Cheesegrater.

We also have a team of security and stewards who will be in yellow high vis vests across all locations. They will be present to make sure the audiences are safe and enjoy Bartholomew Fair.

For general advice about things to do in the City, and planning your visit, please visit the City Information Centre, near St Paul's Cathedral.

30. How do I get in touch with the event organisers before or after the event?

You can contact us on destination.city@cityoflondon.gov.uk for any event enquiries, feedback and complaints.

Security and Public Safety

31. What measures are in place to manage the visitor numbers?

There is an audience management plan for the event and event staff at each site who are briefed appropriately.

32. Who will be managing security at the event?

Security at the event will be managed by a professional security and stewarding company, with qualified and trained personnel.

Stewards will be on hand through the event site to support and help audiences where required. Please follow their instructions when provided.

The team will be observing and monitoring all locations across the event and undertaking security checks.

As part of the event planning there are emergency procedures in place should an incident occur.

33. Is first aid available?

Yes. As part of the event organiser’s safety provision for Bartholomew Fair. there will be medical provision on the ground during the event. We are also working closely with the emergency services to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone

34. What plans are in place for lost persons?

Stewards will be on hand to support public safety, and this includes any reports of lost persons, responding to this accordingly.

Local information

35. I’m not attending Bartholomew Fair, can I still come into the City of London?

Access to the City of London will not be restricted in any way.

36. I make or receive deliveries in the City of London. How will I be affected?

In general there should be no disruption to deliveries. If you are on a road that is being closed for the event then you may be affected. Pre Event information has been distributed to businesses on the affected roads regarding access times.

Closed roads for the event are:

  • 31 August - 2 September - St Paul’s Churchyard and Carter Lane
  • 7 - 9 September - Middlesex Street
  • 14 - 16 September - Cloth Fair, Lime Street, Fenchurch Avenue, Billiter Street and Leadenhall Place

37. Will there be changes to waste collection?

There will be no changes to the waste collection service in general. Unless you are on a road that is being closed for the event then you may be affected. Pre Event information has been distributed to businesses and residents on the affected roads regarding access times.

Closed roads for the event are:

  • 31 August - 2 September - St Paul’s Churchyard and Carter Lane
  • 7 - 9 September - Middlesex Street
  • 14 - 16 September - Cloth Fair, Lime Street, Fenchurch Avenue, Billiter Street and Leadenhall Place

38. I live / work near the event. How will it affect me?

Event activity is happening near to local businesses and residents. However, we do not anticipate disruptions caused by the event.

39. Will any access to residential areas or businesses be restricted?

If you are located on a road that is due to be closed you may have your access affected. Pre Event information has been distributed to businesses and residents on the affected roads regarding access times.

Closed roads for the event are:

  • 31 August - 2 September - St Paul’s Churchyard and Carter Lane
  • 7 - 9 September - Middlesex Street
  • 14 - 16 September - Cloth Fair, Lime Street, Fenchurch Avenue, Billiter Street and Leadenhall Place

See the full Bartholomew Fair Programme

See All