THE festive season kicks off in Frome this Friday as the town gears up for the big Christmas Lights switch on.
This year’s event promises a fantastic festive evening for all the family. Beginning at 5pm, the town centre will be filled with local food stalls selling posh hot dogs, Christmas food, pizza and delicious mulled drinks to keep you warm.
There will be performances from local musicians including the Frome Street Bandits and children’s favourite Rocktopus. There will also be free children’s craft activities, a bouldering hut, as well as craft activities which will help raise money for local charities.
At 6.15pm, the crowds will gather around the Christmas tree as a candlelight procession will come down Bath Street towards the town centre and Christmas carols will be sung.
Organisers are encouraging people to bring along their own lanterns for the evening and light them when the candlelight procession arrives at the Christmas tree. They suggest electric tea lights are used in the lanterns for health and safety.
The big switch on will take place at 6.45pm.
Mayor of Frome, cllr Toby Eliot said, “This year’s lights switch on is going to be a lovely community celebration. There will be carols and lanterns, the chance to buy seasonal food and drink, and of course the switch on.
“I’m hoping the people of Frome will turn out in force and that the fact that we’re starting a little earlier in the evening will give families with younger children a chance to join in. It would be wonderful if people brought lanterns with them (homemade or otherwise) to take part.
“I can’t think of a better way to mark the start of the festive season in Frome. See you there!”