Frome has shared tributes to community arts pioneer and former mayor Martin Bax MBE, who died on 1st June aged 83.
Martin was the founder, inaugural director and president of the Frome Festival. He also served as a town and district councillor, was mayor of Frome in 2003-04 and championed community arts, including music, theatre and photography.
He was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2006 for services to the Frome Festival and to the community in Frome.
The Frome Festival team said they will continue to celebrate Martin’s legacy by delivering Frome’s community arts festival, now in its 25th year, with his vision at its core.
The team said, “Everyone at Frome Festival sends their deepest love and sympathy to Martin’s family and everyone connected to his remarkable life.
“In 2001, he delivered the first Frome Festival as a community regeneration project for Frome. His vision was to celebrate Frome’s arts scene and make Frome come alive with creative activities for all in as many different spaces as possible.
“Martin’s passion for the arts, with particular interests in music, theatre and photography, combined with his relentless hard work, saw him deliver a remarkable legacy of special moments that are cherished by many to this day.
“At the heart of all Martin achieved was both his love of Frome and the fundamental belief in the power of the arts in bringing communities together. This belief continues to shape Frome Festival’s work to this day – from the Food Feast to this year’s Silver Anniversary Chorus project, celebrations of Frome’s thriving amateur arts scene and free activities for all ages, we hope that Martin’s spirit can clearly be felt in this year’s 25th anniversary programme and all before it.”
Clerk of Frome Town Council Peter Wheelhouse said, “Martin Bax made an extraordinary contribution to Frome’s cultural life, raising our town’s profile, encouraging artists and creating opportunities for creativity to thrive throughout his life and career. Our thoughts are with Martin’s family and his many friends, and we’re grateful to benefit from his legacy for years to come.”
Photo by David Chedgy
