FROME is set to be lit up for Christmas with this year’s extravaganza and lights switch-on taking place next weekend.
The theme this year is Edwardian England and takes Frome back in time to the Edwardian era, with organisers expecting the weekend event to once again bring the best out of the town.
Faye Penfold from Frome Town Council said, “Rifle through your wardrobe, put on your fanciest frock and dress coat, and join the rest of Frome to be transported back in time to the sights, smells and sounds of a traditional Edwardian fair on the evening of Friday 28th November and the day-time of Saturday 29th November.
“Join us for a fantastic weekend of vintage Christmas fun, with street performers, fire jugglers, stars from the stage, magical enchanting musicians, traditional fair games, traction engine rides, vintage steam organs, pop-up cake shops, Father Christmas, and much, much more.
“Frome Town Council is delighted to be able to showcase some of the very best talent in Frome through a series of pop-up street performances and really herald in the beginning of the festive season at this year’s Extravaganza. On Friday night the shops will remain open for late night shopping and special care and attention has been taken to ensure the very best Christmas displays will shine from the windows of Frome’s independently proud shops.
“Frome’s Mayor, cllr Peter Macfadyen and the Christmas card winner will perform the lights switch on this year and family favourites like the carols by candlelight and a performance by Frome Town Youth Band will bring Christmas back to what’s important, the Frome community.”
The Mayor said, “Last year took us somewhere really unique, now we are bringing the event back to the people of Frome where it belongs. I’m really looking forward to dressing up and enjoying something really magical.”
People are encouraged to dress up in period costume on both days and a fancy dress competition will award the very best on display all weekend. Some lucky Frome resident will win a competition to ride on one of the vintage steam powered traction engines on Saturday in the Cattle Market car park, (details will be published in schools’ newsletters to find out how to enter, or find Frome Town Council on Facebook).
Faye added, “Adding to the magic of a perfect festive evening are the incredible Bristol-based performance troop ‘The Invisible Circus’ who are world-renowned for producing unique circus theatre experiences in a wide variety of unusual locations, from circus big tops and traditional theatres to site specific and promenade performances in disused industrial and historical buildings.
“Prepare to be dazzled, enthralled, amazed and enchanted by the deliciously delightful performance of fire. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not to be missed.”
For more information visit www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk.