The famous Valentine Gas Lamp in Frome is one of the town’s most romantic landmarks – set amidst heart-shaped cobblestones with a ‘love seat’ under the glow of the gas lamp, looking down the historic cobbled street of Catherine Hill.
The annual Valentine Gas Lamp Lighting Ceremony has been celebrated for the past 25 years. A painstaking restoration of the lamp has been carried out by its originator, Reg Ling. A traditional lighting celebration will take place again this year, with the fully restored lamp taking central place.
Reg Ling, Friends of the Valentine Gas Lamp said, “Please join us to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Wednesday 14th February and witness this unique event.
“Come rain or shine, at 5.30pm a firework will be let off, summoning romantic souls to the site of the lamp in Catherine Hill. All will gather to await the arrival of the lamplighter, dressed in period costume. He will be carrying a traditional lamplighter’s pole and will conduct the lighting ceremony which starts at 6pm. There will be mulled wine for adults and fresh fruit for the children.
“Restoration work on the Valentine Gas Lamp mail box still continues and donations to the project are warmly welcomed – please find details at www.valentinegaslamp.org. We are relying on voluntary contributions to maintain this unique Frome landmark for generations to come.
“We look forward to seeing you there!”