GET ready for Frome’s third Kindness Festival, taking place from Saturday 16th to Friday 22nd March.
Organised by the team at The Good Heart Cafe, this year’s festival is set to be bigger than ever, offering inspiring films, art and music, exciting speakers and affordable workshops in more than a dozen locations across the town.
“At a time of cost-of-living and planetary crises, it aims to warm hearts, raise spirits and help local residents reconnect with their natural superpower of kindness,” says director of The Good Heart, Alison Murdoch.
New for 2024 is the Kind Bank, which festival volunteers have been busily preparing in the former HSBC building next to the Boyle Cross. “Follow the kindness, not the money!” says Kind Bank manager, Jess Francombe.
“Come and visit a bank that deals with kindness rather than cash: where you can open a thank account, invest time and skills in a local charity, or contribute to a pop-up Museum of Kindness. You will be warmly invited to enjoy free family-friendly activities, find out more about festival events and relax over a hot drink. We’re hoping to screen films such as The Bank of Dave and host a special week-long Community Fridge. Expect the unexpected in a place buzzing with creativity and fun from 10am to 4pm daily.”
Alongside the Kind Bank, local people are encouraged to look out for other heartwarming initiatives designed to spread kindness and joy in the community, ranging from Frome Seed Library’s Great Business Grow-Off, where local businesses compete to grow the tallest sunflower, to the Stories of Kindness project inviting residents to share their tales of kindness and compassion with the Frome Writers’ Collective.
The Kindness Trail will offer a self-guided journey through Frome’s streets, uncovering hidden acts of kindness; the Micro Providers ‘Make a Difference’ initiative will support individuals to spend quality time with clients in need; and the festival’s ongoing partnership with Fair Frome will bring some extra love and warmth to their weekly food parcels. Festival volunteers will also lead assemblies in nine local schools, reaching over 2,000 children.
The overall theme of this year’s Kindness Festival is Kindness Builds Bridges and The Good Heart team and volunteer Kindness Crew invite you to take a moment to reflect on what kindness means to you.
For the full programme and to book tickets visit www.thegoodheart.uk.
