IT’S full steam ahead for plans for this year’s carnival procession!
This year’s procession will take place on Saturday 24th September – and to raise money to support the much-loved event, the carnival’s committee has announced that this year’s Family Fun Day & Dog Show will be held on Saturday 11th June, from 12pm until 5pm, in Frome Victoria Park.
At the fun day, alongside the dog show, the community can expect the Carnival Baby Competition, music, face painting, a barbeque as well as other food and drink on sale, performances from local dance groups, skittles, a fun fair, train rides and much more – there’s something for all the family!
On behalf of the Carnival committee, Mandy Morgan said, “Earlier this year we were pleased to announce that after an absence of almost three years, we are full steam ahead with preparations to get the carnival procession back on the streets of Frome.
“The reason that Frome Carnival is so special is that it has been supporting local individuals and good causes for almost 100 years. Our fundraising events throughout the year help us cover the increasing costs of hosting the carnival, which can amount to in excess of £10,000.
“The cost includes the prizes given to the entries in our Children’s Carnival and appearance monies that are paid to all the competitors entering our evening illuminated procession. We rely solely on fundraising events – such as the fun day, grants, sponsorships and donations in order to meet these costs.”
About what to expect at the fun day – the biggest fundraising event for Frome Carnival – on Saturday 11th June, Mandy said, “It’s free entry for everyone and there is so much to do and see and lots to enjoy with family and friends! Bring your pooches and enter them into our friendly family dog show, sponsored by Bellevue Vets and Gillian Usher Arts. Registration is from 12 noon and judging starts at 1pm.
“The fabulous AVA-BAR will be there, who supports us every year, plus there will be a barbeque, ice-creams, a tea and coffee tent plus other light refreshments.
“There is a Carnival Baby Competition with two categories – up to 9 months; and 9 – 18 months. The 1st prize winner from each category will be invited to be part of our September Children’s Carnival.
“Our regular and very popular family DJ Pete Damon Johns will be entertaining us, along with demonstrations from several dance groups. And there will be a variety of stalls including carnival clubs fundraising for their entries into this year’s carnival circuit, plus tombolas, children’s books, face painting, plus small local businesses offering jewellery, cake making, plants, gift ideas and many more.
“And Darth Vader and his gang are excited to be joining us again too! There will also be many free workshops – kindly hosted by members of Frome Town Council; plus, skittles, fun fair and train rides.
“We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and express our thanks to the groups and businesses who have already offered their support: Storage King, Parker Service Group, Harris & Harris Solicitors, Bellevue Vets, Garston Vets, Gillian Usher Arts, website support from Cooper & Tanner, plus chief marshal support from the Wessex 4×4 group.”
Frome Carnival is also bringing back its competition to design the front cover of the carnival programme, and it’s hunt for the next batch of carnival royalty members.
Mandy explains, “We are also excited to announce that we will be holding a design the carnival programme colouring competition in July – this will be for 8 to 17 year olds and for 1st place, plus 4 runners up – not only will their fabulous designs be admired on the front and back cover of our programme, but they will also be invited to become our Carnival Prince or Princesses in our carnival processions.
“Entry forms and more details will be available from the carnival information tent at the fun day on Saturday 11th June. We are also asking children to nominate their grandparents to be this year’s Carnival Granny or Grampy. Entry forms and further information on both competitions can be found at our carnival tent on the Funday, and will also be on our Facebook page or carnival website soon: www.FromeCarnival.org.uk.”
