FROME kicked off the festive season when thousands of people took to the streets for the Christmas lights switch-on and the Extravaganza.
The Edwardian themed Extravaganza held over last Friday and Saturday saw something for all the family and has been deemed a big success – despite the event being temporarily halted while fire crews dealt with an incident at Boots.
The festive fun was well under way on Friday evening when, at about 6.45pm, the festivities stopped after the fire service was called to the town centre due to smoke coming out of the shop. However, the issue was quickly dealt with and the Extravaganza resumed.
On the Friday evening saw the arrival of Father Christmas and his reindeer, a variety of stalls held by local groups and organisations, and carol singing. The Cheese and Grain was packed with craft stalls while Frome Town Youth band accompanied the community carol singing in the Market Place.
As it turned dark, the town’s Christmas lights were officially switched on by the mayor Peter Macfadyen and this year’s Christmas card winner Ivan Yeo.
On the Saturday more festive fun was had with entertainment including street performers, fire jugglers, stars from the stage, magical enchanting musicians, traditional fair games, traction engine rides, vintage steam organs, pop-up cake shops and much, much more.
This year’s event, organised by Frome Town Council and Frome Chamber of Commerce encouraged local shops and businesses to take part, with many staying open late.
Town Clerk Paul Wynne said, “Luckily for everyone the “fire” in Boots on Friday evening in the middle of the Christmas Extravaganza was a false alarm. Obviously, the fire brigade and Frome Town Council didn’t know that until afterwards. I’d like to thank the people of Frome for taking this in their stride, kept smiling and contributed to a great evening. Frome sure knows how to party!”
Garston Veterinary Group sponsored the town’s Christmas tree. John Gould, small animal partner said, “We are delighted this year to be sponsoring the Christmas tree in Frome. We have worked closely with Frome Town Council in coordinating this event and hopefully in the coming year there will be further projects that we can get involved with. As an independent, privately owned local business we feel that it is important to put something back into the local community and this seemed an ideal opportunity to do so.”
