Frome Children’s Festival – come and be part of it!

LOCAL charitable organisation, Purple Elephant, is extending a huge and happy welcome to the whole of the town and villages beyond to join in its annual free day of fun taking place this coming Sunday, 21st August. Organisers say, “From chilled and relaxed toddler spaces to the wild and wonderful, with live music, theatre, craft, sports, BMX and science along the way, here is just some of what is in store.   

“There will be wildlife fun and activities in the woods, a toy library play area, crafting, glitter body painting, vinegar volcano and slime-making, jewellery-making, dressing up, green-screen filming, a sensory room, yoga sessions, boccia, seated volleyball, soft archery and theatre shows. 

“Even more includes frame football, seated curling, forest school activities, a dragon in the glade, storytelling, BMX workshops and MTB trails, live bands in the Cheese and Grain, the chance to make music in a professional music studio, bug hunts, over-sized games and puzzles, two zip-wires over the river (accessible also for those who use a wheelchair) and clay modelling from Aardman! 

“We want parents to know that there is no merchandise for sale onsite, so there is nothing to spend money on apart from some delicious food, or families are welcome to bring their own picnics.  Another option is to call by Fair Frome’s Wrap-and-Roll stall, make a donation and make your own wraps with your choice of filling. 

“This year’s Children’s Festival has been made possible thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund and to Frome Town Council however, as the country faces some challenging times ahead the organisers are asking those who can to please take advantage of their new Text-to-Donate scheme, open for the first time this year.” 

Founder and director, Sue Willis explains, “Purple Elephant, as you can see on our website, provides a number of services all year round for families, not just this one day.  We focus on those children in disadvantaged and difficult circumstances, but this one celebratory event brings together all that love of fun and childhood into one day which everyone can join in. We’ve made things as accessible as we can this year so those with additional needs are central to our inclusive and open philosophy of playing together for wellbeing. 

“We only exist year-round thanks to funding and grants so, as the country tightens its belt, just keeping going is a challenge for us now. This year we have created, for the first time ever, a text-to-donate campaign, which we would encourage anyone who feels they can afford to take part in, so that our year-round services keep going and so that this annual Children’s Festival event remains just that – annual!” 

The Frome Children’s Festival runs from The Market car park and the Cheese and Grain to Welshmill Park from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 21st August.  On the day, children and young people with additional needs will be eligible for priority wrist bands and there is a ‘Changing Places’ accessible toilet in the Market Yard car park. 

Details are on website www.PurpleElephant.org.uk and donations to keep these warm and wonderful Purple people running services and events into the future can be made by texting 05PURPLE  or  10PURPLE  or  20PURPLE  to  70580 to give £5 or £10 or £20