THE Frome Festival is very much going ahead, with most of its planned events being able to take place between Friday 2nd and Sunday 11th July – despite the extension of Covid restrictions.
At least 90 live events are still scheduled, along with exhibitions, the hugely popular Hidden Gardens, an Art Trail and free pop-up shows.
The Festival organisers have made some important adjustments to the programme, with some events being moved, re-arranged or cancelled, but rain or shine, they are promising a ‘great festival’.
“Headlining comedian Reginald D Hunter will still be playing at the Memorial Theatre on Friday 9th July with Jarred Christmas in support,” said the Festival’s creative director, Martin Dimery. “Due to the regulation of 50% capacity, this means there are now only 40 tickets left! Please buy directly on-line from the Memorial Theatre box office.
“Comedy songwriter and broadcaster Mitch Benn’s show on Monday 5th July at 8pm has now been moved from the Masonic Hall to the Silk Mill’s canopied outdoor stage, to allow for the expected ticket demand.
“John Hegley, the performance poet, was due to appear at the Masonic Hall on Thursday 8th July, but has now moved to Rook Lane Arts to accommodate all those who have already bought tickets. This show has now SOLD OUT!
“Sadly, due to continuing government legislation on Covid-19, the following events at the Cheese and Grain were too large scale to take place with reduced capacity. They may now be rearranged at another time or held over for next year’s Festival:
• Lightning Seeds: (2nd July)
• Celebration for Frome with Active and in Touch (5th July.)
• Scott Mills: (9th July)
• Aswad: (10th July)
“However, the Cheese and Grain are hoping to line up a major replacement act during festival week,” added Martin. “The Cheese and Grain’s website will have details. The public should also check with individual pubs to see if their music events are going ahead.
“The Frome Festival had already decided against the annual Food Feast in the Market Yard due to the usual crowds attending, but there is free entry every night to the fabulous new Marston Park glamping site near Tytherington where there will be entertainment, bars and food available, in an open or canvas-roofed setting. Other outdoor events will also take place at the Green Heart space at Chesterblade Hills.
“Shows will continue at the Ecos amphitheatre and the Merlin Theatre every night, with some fantastic acts. Comedian Paul Foot has only a few tickets left, so early booking is advised. Tickets for most events are available from the Cheese and Grain box office, or through the Merlin Theatre website.
“There is also a massive family fun day featuring outdoor entertainment at Frome Football Club on Sunday 4th July and St. Leonard’s Church in Marston Bigot makes its debut as a festival venue, with concerts including the wonderful Daisy Chapman.”
Brochures are available from cafes and bars around the region. All updates will be posted on the Festival website – www.fromefestival.co.uk
Martin Dimery hailed the festival as “an opportunity to try something different this year with new outdoor venues and more free entertainment in public spaces. He said, “This has been due in part to the public fund raiser we launched last year during lockdown, enabling us to subsidise many events that would otherwise have been beyond our budget. Rain or shine- it will be a great festival.”
