Artists from OpenStory-Tellers have triumphed in Frome Festival’s yarnbombing competition with an impressive fabric installation at the entrance to their meeting space.
The competition, part of Frome Festival’s 2025 textile theme, invited participants to decorate public spaces with fabric. OpenStoryTellers’ entry featured woollen discs, pom-poms and bunting, created by a dozen artists over four weeks using only recycled materials.
The winners received a costumed professional photoshoot, sponsored by Bath Theatrical and Celie Nigoumi Photography.
OpenStoryTellers is a Frome-based organisation supporting creative expression for people with learning disabilities and giving them a voice in society. The group meets five days a week and currently supports around 40 individuals.
Emma Wilson, Fundraising Director, said, “This was made completely from recycled donations. Even though it took four weeks, it didn’t cost a penny, which is very special. We run innovative, creative projects that celebrate the art, heritage and diversity of the learning-disabled community.”
Artists enjoyed creating the installation, with Alice describing tearing the bunting as “invigorating and therapeutic”. Jake led on woollen discs and Ruth on pom-poms, which have now been moved inside to decorate a wooden throne.
At the photoshoot, Rusette Auton from Bath Theatrical provided costumes. Rusette said, “There was creativity, laughter and quite a bit of acting. Much fun had by all, and our privilege to be part of it. Well done to the team at OpenStoryTellers for their contribution to the Frome Festival.”
Photographer Celie Nigoumi added, “The smiles and songs were great fun to be around, and the images really show just how much fun it was.”
Festival Manager Sarah Swales said, “Meeting the artists and witnessing their love of art and acting was very inspiring. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and they were all so talented across many areas including digital art and poetry.”
In addition to yarnbombing, OpenStoryTellers have taken part in several Frome Festival productions, contributing to writing, research, design and performance. Project and Support Worker Leah Harwood said, “Our aim is for people with learning disabilities to share their stories, highlighting a hidden history of learning disability.”
The group is currently seeking fabric and wool donations for future creations.
