FROME Children’s Festival returns this year on Sunday 23rd June and it will be bigger and better than ever.
A full day of free activities for children of all ages, ranging from two zip-wires over the river, provided by Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team, to the Toy Library’s joyful selection of play-things for the youngest, will mean the widest choice of options for all.
Thanks largely to the people of Frome voting via Frome Town Council’s ‘The People’s Budget’, Frome Children’s Festival will run from the Cheese and Grain all the way down along the riverbank path and into Welshmill Park.
Offering face painting, henna tattoos, street art and graffiti, music, lots of craft sessions, tarp-surfing, radio controlled cars, a pedal-powered duck race, the ‘smoothie bike’ where riders have to generate their own energy to run the smoothie-maker, and a teen tent, organisers anticipate literally hundreds of local families will take part in this community event.
Children will be able to build a cardboard city or at the pump track in the park, there will be trial riding stunts and, for those who bring along their own bike, there are workshops to join in.
“Circus experts and theatre specialists will also offer workshop opportunities for young people, as well as their own performances and, for those who like things a little more chilled, the festival plans include a sensory tent (provided by Children’s World), a nature trail, petting animals, dressing up and a reading corner.
“A relaxing option for carers and parents of the younger children is to come and say hello to the Toy Library who will be in Welshmill Park throughout the day and, for those wanting to become Toy Library members and borrow toys to take home during the year, staff will be on-hand to inform people about how to sign up.
“This year the organisers, Purple Elephant Productions, are delighted that they have been able to include games coding (including a chance to design your own computer game – remember to bring your ipad or tablet along), fun science, various sports tasters and a drop-in at the Cheese and Grain’s recording studio. Don’t miss the opportunity to see special guests, The Frukes, opening the festival at 11.30am outside the Cheese and Grain, and enjoy Frome Street Bandits winding through the festival from 1pm, adding their own brand of fun into the mix.
“In addition to the council’s funding, the day is made possible by donations in kind from Sydenhams Hire company, the Scouts, Recognition Express, Fair Frome, The Cheese and Grain and donations from Purple Elephant’s sponsor-companies, Lettings r Us, Eyre and Elliston and, newly-joined, Storagebase who are now year-round sponsors for all our events.
“For the first time, the events of the day will continue into the evening with Young Somerset’s ‘Rural Music Network Tour’. The music will be provided by eight local emerging bands and musicians, inside the Cheese and Grain from 7.30pm.
“Frome Children’s Festival runs from 11am to 5pm on Sunday 23rd June. To join in for free, just turn up on the day and sign in at registration at Event Info in the Cheese and Grain carpark. Purple Elephant wish to remind adults that children remain the responsibility of their parents or carers at all times. All families are welcome and the festival endeavours to be inclusive with a particular remit to ensure that those children with additional needs are offered opportunities and options throughout this and all events.
“To learn more about Frome Children’s Festival and Purple Elephant’s events go to fromechildrensfestival.org
