Frome begins a 10-day celebration of community arts as the hugely popular Frome Festival begins this week, running from Friday 5th to Sunday 14th July.
Describing this year’s festival as a bumper year, organisers say that over 250 diverse and entertaining events, many of which are organised independently, will entertain both local people and visitors to the town during the course of the festival.
Running in venues throughout the town and surrounding villages, there is a top line-up of live music, comedy, theatre, food, art, workshops, activities and more.
This year’s theme celebrates 60 years of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, featuring artwork by celebrated illustrator Sholto Walker depicting Willy Wonka striding down the streets of Frome.
To celebrate this theme, five Golden Tickets will be hidden at various festival events, with winners receiving a ‘scrumdiddlyumptious’ spending spree at Frome’s local chocolatier and café, Choc et al.
Other festival highlights include live stand-up comedy performances with comedians including Jenny Eclair, Jarred Christmas, Richard Herring, Tom Veck, Amy Webber and more. There will be live music performances by internationally acclaimed bass-baritone Sir Willard White; Alberta Cross will play anthemic Americana-tinged songs; India’s ‘biggest cultural and musical export’, Raghu Dixit returns; and the raucous Old Time Sailors will take the audience back in time with traditional seafaring music. Organisers say that fancy dress is encouraged!
Experience a one-off special cabaret night at the Cheese and Grain, with Swinging at the Cotton Club, celebrating the dance and music of New York’s most celebrated 1920s nightclub.
There is also a lecture with the former economics editor of Newsnight and Channel 4 and a regular Guardian contributor, Paul Mason at the Cheese and Grain. Plus, don’t forget the return of one of Frome Festival’s ‘favourite’ events, The Festival Food Feast.
Organisers have said for residents to expect ‘a dash of Frome’s signature quirkiness,’ throughout the festival.
For information about all the events and to purchase tickets visit the Frome Festival website https://fromefestival.co.uk/events/
