Frome’s very own world record breaker, Rachel Clarke, is set to turn the lights on at Frome’s Christmas Lights Switch-on event this year, in what it is hoped to be a festive celebration to warm the coldest night.
The event, on the evening of the 30th November marks the start of Frome’s run up to Christmas, and features the lantern parade with the Samba band again this year, as well as firm favourites the Frome Town Band.
Mayor Richard Ackroyd, who asked Rachel just days after her record-breaking achievement said, “She was the obvious choice. Rachel has raised thousands of pounds for local charity WHY and put Frome in the Guinness Book of World Records with a really fantastic achievement. And of course, not just for her, but for all the Frome residents who took part.”
The event will start from 5pm with entertainment, and the singers from Frome’s Rock Choir will sing from 5.30pm; Mojo Moves will strut their special comedic brand of Christmas moving and shaking at 6pm and the lantern procession will set off following the Samba band from St Johns at 6.15pm.
Everybody will then join together with Songbirds and Frome Town Band to sing festive carols. The Mayor and Rachel Clarke will take to the balcony for the lights switch-on and the Samba band will mark the occasion by playing for 10 minutes, before leading the procession off to the library.
The food stalls will be open from 5.00pm – 7.30pm and will offer Christmas treats including roast potatoes, Christmas dinner burritos and of course mulled wine. The Scouts will also be there with hot chocolate, spiced juice and mince pies.
There is still plenty of time to be part of the lantern parade by joining one of the community events to make lanterns. The workshops, created by Frome Light the Night, were chosen for funding by The People’s Budget back in March and are all free to attend.
For further info and times go to www. frometowncouncil.gov.uk/lanternmaking/
The roads into and surrounding the Market Place will be closed from 4pm – 9pm so please use an alternative route. The Market yard car park will remain open.
Picture: Rachel Clarke.