Carnival to bring ‘record-breaking’ procession to town

The streets will come alive with Frome’s biggest-ever carnival this weekend, with organisers saying entry numbers are the highest in the event’s history.

The Frome Carnival procession will leave Marston Trading Estate at 7pm on Saturday 26th September, featuring illuminated floats, groups, charities and individuals in fancy dress, with music, glitz and glitter.

The carnival was at risk of cancellation earlier this year due to a shortage of volunteers and fundraising challenges. However, organisers say this year’s entry numbers have reached a record high.

This year also marks 40 years since the first Wessex GP Carnival Circuit, with Frome hosting the first procession. Leading this year’s procession will be Cary Comedians, who were the overall winners of the first Frome Carnival on the circuit 40 years ago.

There will also be a tribute to ‘Carnival dad’ Keith Berry, who died earlier this year. The procession will briefly pause in the Market Place in his memory.

Organiser Mandy Morgan said, “Keith was the heartbeat and wise counsel of Frome Carnival for so many years, offering warmth, dedication and a steady hand whenever it was needed. His passing leaves a massive void in our carnival family but his legacy, spirit and love for this tradition will be present in every single light and cheer along the route this year. We dedicate the success of this carnival to his memory.”

Unlike previous years, there will be no daytime children’s carnival this year, although the committee hopes it can return in 2027.

Mandy said, “Parades and carnivals have been held in Frome on and off for over 500 years. Next year we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Frome Carnival in its present form.

“Please help us make this carnival extra special by giving all you can afford. You can donate by popping any loose change into the collecting buckets. There will also be card readers available, so please look out for collectors with these. You can also donate by scanning the QR code. Here’s to keeping the tradition alive together.”