Frome will come alive with music, art and culture as the Frome Festival returns for its 22nd year, from Friday 7th to Sunday 16th July.
With over 200 events taking place across 10 days, the festival aims to celebrate the best of Frome, with events and activities taking place in many places and spaces across the town, from venues and galleries to pubs and parks.
Director Adam Laughton said, “Headliners announced include a stellar comedy line up starring Miles Jupp and Sophie Duker; big music acts including Asian Dub Foundation and Newton Faulkner; and fascinating talks including John Hegley, who presents Biscuits of Destiny, and celebrated historian William Dalrymple, who will give this year’s annual Bob Morris lecture.”
Popular fixtures of the festival return including the Hidden Gardens, Open Art Trail and the famous Festival Food Feast. Adam said, “This year’s feast is the ninth annual iteration organised by Tracey Rawlins, who has masterminded this event and continued its success at the heart of the festival programme. From the traditional opening procession by the Street Bandits to a great selection of bands on the outdoor stage, enjoy fantastic music throughout the evening and sample foods from around the world.”
This year, the creative life of local poet Crysse Morrison, who died last year, is honoured, in the first Festival Poetry Competition. Adam said, “With over 300 entries submitted by local poets, this inaugural competition has been a roaring success, coordinated by festival trustee, Rosie Finnegan. The prize giving will be hosted by poet and stand-up comedian, Elvis McGonagall.”
At the heart of the festival is a programme of free and low-cost events. Adam said, “These have generously supported by the National Lottery Community Fund. With accessible activity taking place every day of the festival, more people than ever before will be able to experience the joys of live music, art, literature and theatre, as well as busy programme for families and younger children.”
Frome Festival has always championed the town’s thriving amateur arts groups, and this programme is no different with events run by Frome Writers Collective, Frome Drama Club and Frome Symphony Orchestra.
Adam said, “This year’s event also features Ring Out, a fascinating project exploring Frome’s churches and their bells, which has become the inspiration for this year’s brochure artwork designed by local illustrator Sholto Walker.”
Book now for all Frome Festival events, www. fromefestival.co.uk
