Thousands of people descended on this year’s Frome Festival, which saw 250 events take place in over 50 venues across the town – from concert halls and theatres to parks, pubs and public spaces – all in celebration of arts and culture.
Organisers have said the 10-day event, which has been a popular fixture in the town since 2001, was a ‘rousing success.’
Festival manager Sarah Swales said, “In its biggest programme so far, the highlights included opera star Sir Willard White, comedy legends Jenny Eclair and Richard Herring, BBC Radio 2 DJ Gary Davies featuring Then Jerico. Other highlights were the leading alt-folk artists, Peatbog Faeries and An Dannsa Dub, Swinging at the Cotton Club with lindy hop dancers, raucous sea shanties from Old Time Sailors and India’s biggest cultural export Raghu Dixit.
“With a large family programme and an average of over 11 free events per day, there truly was something for everyone throughout the programme.”
“This year’s Frome Festival took to the streets with two massive events. The ever-popular Food Feast brought thousands to Market Yard and the Cheese and Grain to enjoy live music, land-based synchronised swimming and delicious food from across the world, whilst the festival’s inaugural collaboration with the Frome Independent Market brought various community performers to entertain the many visitors exploring the town.
“Hundreds of local residents and visitors discovered the nooks and crannies of Frome by taking part in the Hidden Gardens and Open Art Trail, both of which highlight the great horticultural and artistic talent that resides in homes, studios and public spaces throughout Frome.
“This year’s theme paid tribute to 60 years of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with the brochure featuring artwork by illustrator Sholto Walker depicting Willy Wonka striding down the streets of Frome.
“To celebrate this theme, five Golden Tickets were discovered at events across the festival, from comedy bingo to bouldering workshops and family raves. The lucky winners received a real-life trip to the chocolate factory in the form of a scrumdiddlyumptious £25 spending spree at Frome’s local chocolatier and café, Choc et al, as well as an over-sized laser-engraved Golden Ticket made of solid chocolate and edible gold paint.”
Frome Festival director Adam Laughton said, “It has been a joy to see Frome come to life once again with music, drama, comedy, art and so much more. We are delighted that so many independently organised events took place once again as a part of this year’s programme, so the breadth of this festival represents the amazing variety Frome has to offer all year round. Our mission is to celebrate Frome’s remarkable creative community and so I urge all that joined us for this year’s festival to support the people, places and spaces that make Frome Festival what it is throughout the year to come.”
Sarah said, “Frome Festival is an arts charity that is hugely grateful for the support of its corporate supporters, charitable trusts and foundations and the Friends of Frome Festival, who give little and often to help the small, committed office team to deliver this programme.”
If you would like to find out more about supporting Frome Festival’s work, please go to frome festival.co.uk
