IT’S going to be a year to remember in Frome as the town’s major events are returning in style.
After a year of cancellations, postponements and staying inside, Frome residents will be spoilt for choice for events in the months ahead.
Frome’s favourite events are busy preparing to invite the community to finally reunite to celebrate, dance, sing, and have a good time. Amongst the line-up in the town’s packed social calendar is Frome Festival, the Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show, Frome Half Marathon, the Multicultural Frome Festival and Frome Town FC’s #BA11 Live.
And Frome’s venues -Cheese and Grain, the Memorial and Merlin theatres and Frome Cinema – are all gearing up to reopen from next month with a whole host of events for audiences to enjoy.
Speaking to Frome Times, Frome’s mayor, cllr Anita Collier, said, “I’ve missed the Multicultural Festival, and I can’t wait to see the Frome Cheese Show, the Frome Independent Market back on our streets, Frome Festival back in all its glory, as well as our wonderful Christmas Extravaganza even-ing back with us as we switch on the town’s Christmas lights.
“All these events are designed to bring us together to celebrate this amazing town of ours and to create the magical ‘feel good’ factor that so epitomises the town we love.
“All being well, we have a lot to look forward to this year, and I can’t wait!”
Frome Festival returns for its 20th anniversary special with an exciting array of outdoor events and star performers from Friday 2nd July to Sunday 11th July.
The line-up includes The Lightning Seeds whose Three Lions with David Baddiel and Frank Skinner reached No. 1 in 1996, 1998 and 2018; comedian Reginald D Hunter; one of the UK’s favourite radio presenters Scott Mills of Radio One and Aswad who reached number one with Don’t Turn Around and Shine.
There’s also a fabulous Festival line-up at the Merlin Theatre; an art trail, exhibitions and some wonderful free entertainment around town.
Visit https://fromefestival.co.uk to stay up to date with ticket information or see last issue’s Frome Times digital edition for more details via our website.
Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show is scheduled for Saturday 11th September (full story on page 5) while the Half Marathon is planned for 18th July and includes the Half Marathon itself plus 10k and 5k races and a Fun Run in Frome’s annual day of running and fundraising.
The Memorial Theatre, Merlin Theatre, Cheese & Grain and Cinema are all due to re-open in May.
The Merlin Theatre says, “We are overjoyed to bring you a full season of events; the first tickets are on sale now and new shows are being added almost daily so please check our Performances page on our website regularly for full details and online booking.”
The community venue will be presenting over 30 shows between June and early September in both its 230 seat indoor auditorium and on the ECOS (European Community Of Stones) outdoor amphitheatre.
For full details of all performances and to book tickets please use the website – merlintheatre.co.uk
The Memorial Theatre too has an ambitious programme planned. “We are very pleased to announce that we will be opening our doors once more,” says the theatre. “Subject to Government Guidelines our first show will be One Night Of Queen on Friday 25th June At 7.30pm. We look forward to welcoming you all back!
“Our Box Office is still closed for the time being but tickets are available for all our shows on our website www.fmt.website.”
Popular local venue, the Cheese & Grain, has confirmed that it will be reopening next month as well.
The venue says, “We are delighted to report that as per latest government rules, we are on track to reopen for socially distanced shows from the 17th May as planned.
“In line with the governments guidance on easing restrictions, full capacity live events are set to return from 21st June. Our programming team is working hard behind the scenes on some very special events to commemorate the occasion.
For full details, see page 9 or visit: www.cheeseandgrain.com
Frome’s Westway Cinema is planning to open on 17th May with screenings of Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway, and an array of other films. Owners Pat and Beryl Scott are also hopeful to secure Hollywood blockbuster, Godzilla vs. Kong (see story on page 2 or visit westway cinema.co.uk/frome/now/
And Frome Town FC has announced that it will be part of this year’s Frome Festival with a “revamped” summer event offering a huge range of activities for the public to enjoy.
The event, to be held on Sunday 4th July, will be called #BA11 Live and will comprise of three main sections – free morning and afternoon events and a ticketed evening event. See the back page for full details.
