Issue 341 – Festive season launched with Christmas extravaganza

Story posted on March 29, 2012

FROME kicked off the festive season when hundreds of people took to the streets for the Frome Christmas Extravaganza and the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights. This year’s return of the event to Frome Market Place has been voted a success.

The Extravaganza on Saturday 26th of November saw something for all the family, with the arrival of Father Christmas and his reindeer, Mojo the donkey, a variety of stalls held by local groups and organisations, carol singing and fireworks. The Cheese and Grain was packed with craft stalls and Frome library held story-telling sessions. Frome Town Youth band accompanied the community carol singing in the Market Place.
As it turned dark, the town’s Christmas lights were officially switched on by eight-year-old Maddy Patterson, who won the Mayor’s Christmas card competition. Second place went to Faerieday Head and in third place was Violet Venables Ziminski, both aged six years. All the entries are in the town council offices during the festive season.
Mayor of Frome cllr Nick White said, “I think it was a great success, most of the feedback has been very positive. Lots of shopkeepers thought that it was a great improvement on previous years with the return to the Market Place and making that the focal point. My favourite part was standing on the stage and looking out at the crowd, I couldn’t believe how many had turned out – it was fantastic to see so many people.”
This year’s event, organised by Frome Town Council and Frome Chamber of Commerce encouraged local shops and businesses to take part, with many staying open late. Cllr White said that due to the event’s success, it is planned to keep the event in the Market Place for future years.