THIS year’s Frome Festival has been hailed as “truly a year to remember” by festival organisers as record-breaking ticket sales, a jam-packed programme of over 200 events and blue skies combined to make it the best festival in its 13 year history.
The wonderful weather was accompanied by record-breaking sales at the box office. And with many events completely sold out, especially headline acts like Jo Brand, Phill Jupitus and Rich Hall, organisers are hailing it a bumper year.
“We were absolutely delighted with the line-up this year,” said Martin Dimery, the Festival’s creative director. “And it was great to see that not just the big names and visiting performers pulled in the audiences. Many of our locally-based artists attracted a lot of attention too.
“Sales continued well into the festival and extra seats had to be drafted into events where demand exceeded the number of seats available.”
Festival chairman, Bob Morris, is delighted with the success. “In the less good years we pretend that the weather doesn’t matter,” he said, “but this year’s festival has been excellent and I must admit that even though most of our 160 events are indoors, a festival has to have real zing if people are out and about. Martin Dimery must be congratulated on producing an outstandingly exciting programme. We’ve had lots of favourable comments.”
The festival got off to a flying start with gallery openings and events all over town drawing big audiences. A tapas bar at the Silk Mill drew huge crowds eating wonderful Spanish food in what felt like Spanish temperatures.
The Food Feast also benefitted from the hot weather that continued throughout the festival. Events at ECOS were all packed to capacity and revellers were able to wander from event to event in balmy summer evening temperatures.
Hidden Gardens and the Open Studios drew record numbers of visitors as well while Andrew Shackleton’s ‘Tales from the Tunnels’ was a sell-out. At Cooper Hall, audiences were able to make the most of the beautiful garden before performances to wander and enjoy a glass of wine or two on the lawn in late evening sun.
Martin Dimery, is convinced that the big build up to a festival finale in the final few days helped keep sales buoyant. He said, “Thanks to all the organisers, the workshop leaders, performers, artists and stewards and everyone who contributed towards this most successful festival.”
“All the months of planning and hoping and waiting have been rewarded. A huge thank you to everyone who came and joined us here at Frome Festival 2013. Truly a year to remember!”
