THE town’s annual 10-day celebration of arts and culture returns this week, ‘bigger and better than ever’, with over 280 events taking place across more than 50 venues in Frome and the surrounding areas.
The Frome Festival will run from 5th to 13th July and will see the town filled with food, music and dance, art, comedy, theatre, poetry, storytelling, workshops and creative activities.
Headlining this year’s festival are Britpop icons Supergrass, who will be performing at the Cheese and Grain as part of a fundraiser for People for Packsaddle’s campaign to save Packsaddle Community Fields from development (see story below).
Other highlights include the Food Feast on Saturday 5th July – an annual highlight of the local calendar – a showcase from Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club’s house band, evenings with leading comedians Lou Sanders and Andy Zaltzman, and a wide range of music, including Guy Chambers, Gary Stringer from Reef, the Miki Berenyi Trio, Rokia Koné, and a one-off performance by Florence & The Machine’s harpist, Tom Moth.
This year’s festival also features many new venues and events taking part for the first time, including Five Yard presents Alan Power and the Take Twos; music, wine and food events from Rye Bakery and Saddle Goose Winery on Station Approach; a DJ night and ‘Karenoke’ (comedy karaoke with a Karen) at The Tunnels; and the Brodsky Quartet in Chantry Church.
Old favourites such as Hidden Gardens and the Frome Open Art Trail will also return.
The theme of this year’s festival reflects the town’s rich heritage in the textile industry, which is referenced in the cover artwork designed by Sholto Walker and in many of the events and activities taking place.
“As with every year, the vast majority of events are independently organised, so the breadth of our programme reflects the amazing variety Frome has to offer year-round,” said festival director Adam Laughton.
“Frome Festival is organised year-round by a small, dedicated team of staff and volunteers – without their contributions, Frome Festival would not happen. The funding we receive from supporters is crucial to keeping this programme alive. If you’d like to find out how you can contribute to our work by becoming a Friend of Frome Festival, you’ll receive exclusive benefits, including priority ticket access and discounts at various businesses across Frome.
For more information about the Frome Festival, to become a ‘Friend’ or to book tickets, visit: www.fromefestival.co.uk
