On Friday 22nd November from 5pm to 7pm, the town gathers for the annual lantern parade and Christmas lights switch on in Frome.
Once again, a procession of people carrying beautiful handmade willow and paper lanterns will head down the hill from St John’s Church into the Market Place, led by festival favourites Jamma de Samba. There will be musical entertainment from Frome Town Band, Frome Community Choir, jazz/swing singer and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Andrew Bourn, and popular Frome-based band the Enrichments. Following the procession, Mayor Andy Jones will address the crowd from the balcony at The George Hotel, and officially open the Christmas season in Frome with the turning on of Frome’s Christmas lights.
The theme for the lanterns this year is ‘winter woodland’ – expect mice, badgers, deer and more. Spaces for the remaining lantern workshops with local artists Alis Vaas and Mel Day are very limited, but low-cost lantern kits are available from Frome Town Hall or the Discover Frome information point in the library and there are tips and inspiration for your lantern creation available from the Frome Lanterns website.
Mayor Andy Jones said “I’m looking forward to being part of Light the Night as your Mayor – one of the perks of this job is getting a fantastic view of the lantern parade from the balcony at The George, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying some of the great musical entertainment on offer. Do come down with your friends and family from 5pm on 22nd November and enjoy this wonderful annual event together.”
Book for the lantern workshops or find tips and ideas for making a lantern at https://www.fromelanterns.co.uk.
