FROME is all set to light up the night with the annual Christmas Lights switch-on this Friday, 24th November, from 5.00pm-7.00pm.
“This much-loved annual event always gets the festive season started with delicious local food and drink, merry live music from both bands and choirs, special exciting street entertainment and even a fun children’s ride,” says a spokesperson for the organisers, Frome Town Council. “The samba band and magical lantern parade is always particularly memorable and with this year’s theme being Ice, it’s bound to be twinklier than ever.”
Santa has kindly taken time out of his busy schedule to visit Frome on the night. You’ll find him and his elves in a glittering grotto on the ground floor of the We Hear You (WHY) office, 14-15 North Parade, BA11 1AU, between 4.30pm and 7.30pm. It costs £3 per child on the day and the money raised supports WHY’s vital services for children, young people and adults who have been affected or bereaved by cancer and life-threatening conditions. Book here: https://tinyurl.com/5n8bd35w
Mayor of Frome, cllr Philip Campagna said, “I’m really looking forward to this year’s Christmas extravaganza as it always brings joy and magic to our streets. Merry music and entertainment are great for uplifting us all, even on the darkest of nights, and it’s always very special hearing the samba drums approaching and witnessing the glowing lanterns as they make their way through the town. With the addition of the Little Night Market this year, there is plenty to see, do and eat all evening!”
There is still time to make your own lanterns and be involved in the parade itself. Head to Frome Town Hall or the Discover Frome Information Point in the library and pick up a kit for as little as £2 for a small bundle and get creative.
Tips, advice and how to make your own eco-friendly glue can be found here: www.fromelanterns.co.uk
Road closures will be in place from 4.00pm, so anyone planning to attend is asked to walk to the event if possible. The Cattle Market, Merchants Barton and Vicarage Street car parks will remain open, to enable people to park until they are full. The Cork Street taxi rank will be relocated to Saxonvale, alongside the pedestrian entrance to the Kingsway and buses and coaches will be diverted, so please look out for the signs on relevant bus stops.