FROME Street Carnival’s fun day has been hailed a huge success, with record numbers in attendance and hundreds of pounds raised for next year’s procession.
Held on the day that would have been this year’s procession – Saturday 25th September – the carnival spirit was alive and well in Frome. At least 1,000 turned up to enjoy stalls, performances from local musicians and dance groups, ‘have a go’ workshops, train rides, and a fun family dog show, sponsored by Bellevue Vets.
Organisers estimate that in excess of £1,000 was raised for the carnival, with local groups and charities in attendance also receiving a fundraising boost.
On behalf of the carnival committee, Mandy Morgan told Frome Times, “It was amazing! The team worked flat out! We think we have raised more money than any other fun day before, in excess of £1,000, at least.
“It was so well supported by the people of Frome, it was packed. We think at least 1,000 people came, so thank you to them for turning out to support us! We can’t thank Frome enough. Making it free entry was a big boost – we had families thanking us, telling us that they had such a good day and that they really needed it. And one person came up to us at the end of the day and commented what a fantastically organised event it was – I burst into tears because I was so relieved that it had gone well, and not just for carnival, but for all groups involved, as they are all desperate for fundraising.
“The groups and charities that had stalls had great feedback too – some of them had to go to the shops to replenish their tombolas as they had run out of prizes!
“And the Bellevue dog show was also a roaring success – it was the best dog show we have ever had too. One class had 20 dogs enter, which has never happened before.
We are so pleased with how it went; we can’t express how delighted we are. The support from Frome Town Council was fantastic – and everyone else that supported us – you know who you are – thank you!”
But there was no rest for the committee once the fun day had ended, with some members walking the Frome procession route as part of their ongoing fundraising challenge to walk all nine carnival routes in the ‘Wessex Carnival Circuit’.
Mandy said, “A few of us, even though we were cream crackered – including my dear 87-year-old mum [carnival president June Barnes] – we still walked the Frome carnival route!”
The carnival procession walking challenge is raising money for next year’s carnival. To donate, please visit the website: www.gofundme.com/f/frome-carnival-2022
Next up – the annual duck race!
The carnival’s annual duck race returns this Sunday, 3rd October, 2pm from Button Bridge in the Market Yard.
They say, “You can purchase a duck for just £1 each, each are numbered and the first duck to swim across the finish line will win their lucky sponsor £50, second prize £30 and third prize £10.
“Ducks can be purchased on the day of the race, from our stall in the Market Yard car park.”