Bastille Day Festival

For the eighth year, Bankside and Borough Market are set to honour France’s national holiday with the largest official Bastille celebration in London. The free festival will be a celebration of French food and culture for all ages to enjoy.

Family – face-painting, magicians and street performers will ensure the entire family enjoy the day. Borough Market and Boro Bistro will be hosting the classic French game of pétanque, while the London Tombs will be demonstrating the darker side of the French revolution with their guillotine.

Food and drink – as the French are among the masters of culinary delights, no Bastille celebration would be complete without a selection of delicious French food and wine. Vinopolis will offer visitors the chance to take part in a cheese and wine masterclass while Borough Market’s Market Hall will become the home of live French cookery demonstrations. Throughout the day Bread Ahead will be running workshops so you can learn how to make your own French bread and croissants. Other French treats such as crepes and comté will also be available from Borough Market.

Music and dance - For the Francophiles there is the opportunity to learn the java – a traditional romantic French dance perfect for two people in love. Les Moineaux de Paris, a French band inspired by the sounds of Edith Piaf will perform during the day. By early evening Borough Market will be transformed into a Bal Populaire, with festivities continuing into the night and music from Oh La La.