Frome kicked off the festive season when hundreds of people braved wet weather and turned out for the Frome Spectacular and the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights.
The Spectacular on Sunday 29th November was officially opened by mayor, cllr Damon Hooton and town crier Mike Bishop and his wife Angie.
There was “something for everyone” to enjoy on the day including carol singing, as well as a variety of stalls held by local groups and organisations. Many of the town’s shops also opened specially for the day.
Children and their parents were impressed to see Santa turn up to the celebrations with his trusty reindeer. As well as meeting Santa in his grotto, children also had the chance to meet his reindeer, Rudolf, up close.
Later in the day, the lights were lit up when six-year-old Poppy Pinkster switched them on with help from the mayor. Poppy was given the privilege after winning the Town Council’s competition to design the mayor’s Christmas card.
Councillor Damon Hooton, Mayor of Frome said, “I was delighted by the amount of people who attended the Frome Christmas Spectacular, despite the weather!
“It really was a great day for the whole community. With so many shops and the markets stalls opening it was undoubtedly also a great day for traders.
“Stars of the show were once again the reindeer who were kept busy by hundreds of adoring children and, of course, Poppy Pinkster, winner of my Christmas card competition who did a fantastic job accompanying me on the sleigh and in the turning on of the Christmas lights.”
Westway precinct once again hosted the town’s charity stalls. Santa paid a special Spectacular visit there, and will now return on every Saturday in December.
“The Spectacular is for families to enjoy together. Last year we aimed the event very much at young families,” said Spectacular chair, cllr Maggy Daniell.
“This year we extended the range of activities available for older children and teenagers, and there were also many more market stalls and shops open, making there something for everyone.”
The skate rink and the battling Robogeddon robots were very popular, as were the fairground rides, including toddlers’ roundabouts, octopus soft play area, a giant inflatable slide and a teenager twizzler.
