THOUSANDS of people turned out to support all the entertainers and events at this year’s Frome Festival, with organisers now celebrating the festival’s 12th year as a runaway success.
With over 200 events across 40 different venues, the town was full of festival spirit right up until the final event on Sunday 15th of July.
Festival creative director, Martin Dimery, praised the community for its fantastic support of the week-long festival. He says that 22 of the events sold out of tickets, more than ever before. “The festival opened with 800 people packing the Cheese and Grain to watch Reef. It all went extremely well,” he said. “We had so many sold out acts and thousands of people participating from all across the country.
“Phil Hammond sold out quite quickly and Shappi Khorsandi had 400 people in the Merlin Theatre. It’s incredible.
“It was not just the big name events and acts that sold well, the hidden garden walks and talks were also very well attended. The Frome Festival Feast was extremely well supported. Over 2,000 people turned up, despite the wet weather. There’s been a lot of great feedback. With over 200 events, there was sure to be something for everyone.
“We know that some of the acts draw people from all over the country. We run the Frome Festival on a year-to-year basis and we haven’t added up the final figures yet, but I’m hopeful that there will be one next year.”
This year, some of the best live acts from all across the world joined the biggest ever Frome Festival, with the likes of the Idiot Bastard Band (comedians Ade Edmondson, Phill Jupitus, Neil Innes and Rowland Rivron) Blake and international sensation JUJU.
Martin Dimery said, “Thanks to everyone who came along, everyone in the Frome Festival office and the stewards who made this all possible. I owe a huge debt of thanks to my colleagues and the volunteers who helped bring this remarkable celebration together.”
People took to twitter to voice their praise for this year’s festival.
Comedian Shappi Khorsandi tweeted, “Thoroughly enjoyed Frome! Thanks all who came and those who stayed for a natter (I do like a natter).”
Café la Strada tweeted, “Last day of the Frome Festival tomorrow, how fab has it been, once again a triumph for Frome.”
David Payne tweeted, “Frome Festival – great place – great events.”
Mauroof Khaleel tweeted the Cheese and Grain to say, “Had a fantastic time with JuJu tonight, the best live (act) I have seen in Frome since festival began.
