THE Frome Independent has launched a crowdfunding campaign to be able to keep the much- loved market a free social event for local people and visitors.
The Frome Independent is a not-for-profit social enterprise that runs the monthly Sunday market and is a celebration of Frome’s independent spirit. Run by a team of dedicated locals, the event transforms the town centre on the first Sunday of every month from March to December.
Market director, Tabitha Clayson said, “We are Crowdfunding to rejuvenate and update our much-loved pop-up Village Green, The Frome Independent’s most popular social space, meeting point and the setting for all of our family activities.
“We are also looking to raise funds to host Frome-on-Sea, our annual urban beach, which is free for all to attend, on Sunday 6th August.
“Funds will also support our work with local charities and community groups, helping them to raise money throughout the coming year.
“Our event is a celebration of independent spirit and we are proud to have become a mainstay in Frome’s social calendar. Alongside more than 200 traders, each month we create social spaces and a year-round festival feeling with themed markets, regular music, art and events. We host free and subsidised family activities, from mobile climbing walls to obstacle courses and our much-loved urban beach, Frome-on-Sea.
“We are proud to run such a successful and popular event, but with this success has come additional costs to ensure that markets are safe and accessible for all.
“In 2014 and 2015 we hosted a year-long programme of events and activities on market days, including a Harvest Festival, a lobster quadrille for the Alice In Wonderland Centenary, a springtime Sports Day, craft demonstrations, children’s games, live music and street performance.
Over the last 18 months, increased logistical costs mean that we have had to scale back these community activities, but we’d like to restore them to their former glory for 2017 and into 2018.
“We love working with all our creative friends and partners to provide all the great festival vibes, music, social spaces and events but it costs time, creativity and money!
“£10,000 will allow us to firstly replace the fake grass at our Village Green. The Village Green area can be found outside of Frome Library on market days and has become a meeting point for families and friends to rest, dance and socialise. Our fake grass is sadly at the end of its life, having been well-used in all weathers for nearly four years.
“It will allow us to provide the free music, events and activities for another year. This includes our much-loved urban beach, Frome-on-Sea, due to take place on 6th August. The beach is a free event, complete with real sand, buckets and spades, donkey rides and deckchairs. If we reach our crowdfunding target we will also be able to provide a greater range of seasonal events at markets that coincide with Christmas, harvest-time and Easter too.
“Finally, we will be able to continue our work with charities. Helping local groups raise money and awareness is something that our small team are committed to doing each year. Help us to help them raise more!”
Visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ to donate.