IT’S time to start feeling festive as the Christmas Lights switch on is returning to the town on Friday 25th November from 5pm to 7pm.
Along with local music and foodie treats, the spectacular ‘Light the Night’ lantern parade is back, this year with the sweet touch of ‘Gingerbread Town’. Think gingerbread houses of all shapes and sizes, gingerbread people, lollipops and candy canes all made into glowing willow and paper lanterns.
The wonderful Frome Lanterns are running a number of workshops from a basic skills demo to help you with your own lantern design, or more detailed how-tos for pyramids, houses, lollipops and more. They are also focusing on having as little impact on the planet as possible by using locally grown willow, paper tape and have a recipe for cheap and environmentally friendly rice glue on their website.
Mel Day and Aliss Vaas from Frome Lanterns said, “We really can’t wait to see you fill the streets with your magical lanterns and are always awe-struck by the imagination and creativity on show. This year we are taking it to the next level and would love to see you add coloured tissue to your lanterns to create even more show stopping designs.”
The workshops will take place on the following dates: at Frome Library on Saturday 29th October, 10am at Frome Library; and at The Silk Mill on Monday 14th November, 5.30pm, Wednesday 16th November, 4.30pm, Thursday 17th November, 6pm, Saturday 19th November, 10am, Saturday 19th November, 1.30pm, Sunday 20th November, 10am and Sunday 20th November, 11.30pm.
All the sessions are free, you just need to purchase the material kits which come in a variety of sizes and are available at the workshop or ahead of time from Discover Frome at the Black Swan Arts, or the Town Hall. Booking is essential and you can do so online, where you will also find inspiration and advice at www.fromelanterns .co.uk
Mayor’s Christmas Card
The search for the Mayor’s Christmas Card has also begun, with children up to 12 being asked to submit their tree themed artistic offerings for this year’s e-card.
Mayor of Frome, Cllr Sara Butler said, “Nature, and trees in particular, represent some much-needed peace and tranquillity, which feels more important than ever at the moment. We are very lucky here in Frome to be home to some very special and meaningful trees and as the town is packed full of talent, I look forward to seeing the creations that come forward.”
Find out more about the Mayor’s Christmas Card competition including deadlines at www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/mayors-christmas-card-competition-2022
Watch this space for more details about entertainment, food and more for Frome’s Light Switch On by heading to www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk
