Carnival spectacular brings Frome to life

AFTER months of float building and costume making, brightly coloured performers took to the streets of Frome for the annual Carnival on Saturday.

The atmosphere was electric and spirits were high as once again carnival fever brought the town to life in Frome and raised  £4,232 for local charities and causes – over £2,800 more than last year.

The day began very overcast and drab but moments before the party kicked off, the clouds broke and glorious autumn sunshine shone on the streets of Frome, just in time for the start of the afternoon children’s procession.

Carnival committee member Emily Denne said, “The children’s procession was well supported by the local community, with a number of local groups and schools entering, as well as individuals.

“Pepperbox Nursery won the schools’ class, with their entry ‘Saving Planet Green.’ The three winners of the ‘Chairman’s Choice’  were won by Lauren Casson as ‘Baby Groot’,  Frome Girl Guiding as the ‘Wild West’ and Izzy Wheeler for ‘The Sami Wanderer.’

“Lottie Wheeler’s ‘Knit one, Pearl one’ won the Dean Shield for Best Interpretation of a Theme and Liberty Gymnastics won the Spirit of the Carnival Cup.”

The evening carnival procession was opened this year by a fleet of vintage vehicles from the Somerset Festival of Transport.

Emily added,”We were so pleased to see an increase in the number of entries – with the crowds being entertained by bands, majorettes, dance groups, floats, walking entries and more.

“We are incredibly grateful to see so many new entries and local individuals and groups getting involved in this year’s carnival. Our special thanks go out to all the children who took part in the processions. We know how much work it takes to learn moves, make costumes and entertain the crowds watching and they were all fantastic.”

In the evening procession, this year’s Spirit of the Carnival Cup went to Just Georges Carnival Club, for their entry ‘Rock Lobsters’, in recognition of the fact that they took part in the carnival as a walking entry following their float breaking down.  The Most Original entry winning the Arcadia Cup was Satco for their entry ‘Brucie Bonus’.

The Best Overall Walking Entry winning the Chuckles Cup, was Lottie Wheeler for ‘Knit one, Pearl one.’ The Best Overall Float winning The Butler & Tanner Social Club Cup, was awarded to Magnum Carnival Club for ‘Secret of the Loch’.

This year’s Best Group of Collectors went to the Frome Fire Service who once again were out in force, collecting and speaking with the crowd.

A full list of the winners of the afternoon procession can be found on Frome Carnival’s website.

“This year’s evening carnival was incredibly well supported by the town and local community, with huge crowds throughout,” added Emily.

“Watching from the balcony of The George were some very special guests – the carnival committee from Frome’s twin town of Murrhardt in Germany.

“The Frome Carnival committee is absolutely delighted to announce that the donations given in the two processions came to an amazing £4,232. The committee would like to thank everyone who so generously donated and those who supported their new initiative of selling light-up toys.

“The committee’s team of sellers wearing purple and yellow hi-vis vests reported that they were delighted with how much support they received, and  that they will ensure there are more sellers next year to meet the demand.

“Finally, we would like to thank everyone who took part in this year’s carnival and those who supported in any way.  The day relies on help from so many volunteers including marshals, silver control, judges, our new sellers, collectors including Frome Rotary who are a huge part of carnival, the emergency services, caterers and many more. We thank everyone who got involved and hope that more people will continue to support us. We are always in need of volunteers  and would love to hear from anyone who is interested in being part of Frome Carnival.”

Carnival chairman, June Barnes said, “This year’s carnival was fantastic and with the amount raised on the day, we can continue to support local charities and causes in Frome, so thank you to everyone who donated. A big thank you to Garston Vets as well for their sponsorship.

“I would like to say a special thanks to Emily Denne who organised all the volunteers for this year’s carnival – it takes a lot of hard work and she did a fantastic job.”