With such a great French community of traders in Borough Market, Bastille Day is quite a cause for celebration in the area. The market will be full of joie de vivre as, for the ninth year running, the venue is hosting a free festival to celebrate the fabulous Fête Nationale, along with Better Bankside and Français Du Monde.
Why the 10th? The French national day falls on a Thursday, so to ensure the whole day is dedicated to celebrating all things Français, there will be festivities in and around the historic food market in Bankside from 12pm – 8pm.
No French party would be complete without delicious food, and visitors will be in for a gastronomic treat with a host of French fancies on offer. Borough Market will be opening its doors especially for the celebration and will be full of traders and stalls selling French delicacies. From red, white and blue macarons to crepes and croissants, the market will be bursting with traditional treats. There will also be a special French themed free Demonstration Kitchen with Borough Market’s demo chef, Katherine Frelon.
Elsewhere artists, musicians and performers will be entertaining throughout the day, including Parisian folk music from Oh La La, and French Radio London in residence.
For one day only, Borough Market will also have its own pétanque (or boules) court, so visitors can enjoy this quintessentially French game. Why not celebrate the last day of Euro 2016 with some table football? Last year’s popular Hula Hoop show will also return, as well as a caricaturist, of course. The Market Hall will be full of children’s activities and stalls, with French nursery rhymes, dancing and story-telling.
Festivities continue into the evening with a live Gypsy Jazz and Swing band, as well as street theatre, until 8pm.
Visitors will also be able to party at French bar and restaurant Boro Bistro from 1pm until late.
Need to know
Sunday 10 July 2016
12pm until 8pm
In and around Borough Market, Bankside
Entry: free
Nearest tube: London Bridge
Bastille Festival is supported by Better Bankside, Français du Monde and Borough Market. For more information head to visitbankside.com/whats-on.
