One of the town’s favourite free annual celebrations, the Christmas lights switch-on and lantern parade, is set to be bigger and brighter than ever on Friday 21st November.
From 3pm to 7.30pm, the Cattle Market car park will be transformed into a vibrant food court, packed with seasonal treats and warming dishes.
There will also be fairground rides and entertainment for all ages to enjoy, while the Frome Town Band and Frome Street Bandits bring a party atmosphere with live music. Stilt walkers will roam the streets, dazzling the crowds.
Just before 6pm, Frome’s Town Crier will herald the arrival of Mayor Cllr Anita Collier, who will be joined by singers on the George Hotel balcony to add extra sparkle to the evening.
This year’s lantern parade will start from the top of North Parade, led by Frome’s samba band, Jamma de Samba. The glowing procession of handmade lanterns will wind through the town, lighting the way to the grand Christmas light switch-on.
Mayor Anita Collier said, “Every year, this event reminds me what makes Frome so special: creativity, kindness and community. There’s nothing quite like standing among hundreds of glowing lanterns, seeing familiar faces light up with joy as the town comes alive. It’s not just a switch-on – it’s a celebration of everything we love about Frome.”
Families with small children can also visit Santa’s Grotto, which is raising funds for the Frome cancer counselling charity We Hear You. Spaces fill up fast, so book ahead at www.wehearyou.org.uk/events/santa-grotto.
Get lantern inspiration at www.fromelanterns.co.uk and find out more about the food court and which local eateries will be open on the night at www.discoverfrome.co.uk
Plan ahead for travel and road closures
Frome Town Council said, “With the town centre set to welcome hundreds of visitors for the switch-on and lantern parade, attendees are strongly encouraged to walk wherever possible to help ease congestion and reduce environmental impact.
“A number of road closures and restrictions will be in place to ensure everyone’s safety. The town centre will be closed to traffic from 4pm to 9pm to allow for the lantern parade and the crowds gathering for the switch-on.
“If you do need to drive, please check signage carefully and plan alternative routes. Merchants Barton and Vicarage Street car parks will remain open and are unaffected by the road closures. Please use Merchants Barton if you have access needs.
“However, Cork Street car park will be closed from 4.30pm to 9pm, with no access in or out. Cattle Market and North Parade car parks will also be closed from 4.30pm. Access to the Market Yard car park will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.”
