The famous Valentine Gas Lamp in Frome, Somerset is one of the town’s most romantic landmarks
The lamp is 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 over 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 on Thursday 14th February, with the fully restored lamp taking central place.
Organisers say, “Please join us to celebrate Valentine’s Day 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 and its mail box is now complete but The Friends of the Valentine Gas Lamp still rely on voluntary donations to keep this unique landmark in perfect condition for generations to come – please find details at www.valentinegaslamp.org.
