We’re all set to light up the night with the annual Christmas Lights Switch On from 5pm-7pm on Friday 24th November.
This well-loved annual event always gets the festive season started with delicious local food and drink, merry live music from both bands and choirs, special exciting street entertainment and even a fun children’s ride! The samba band and magical lantern parade is always particularly memorable and with this year’s theme being Ice, it’s bound to be twinklier than ever.
Take a look at this year’s schedule and read on to find out more
4.00 A Little Night Market opens outside the library
5.00 Music with Frome Town Band, Rock Choir, The Frukes and a special Ukrainian performance on the balcony
6.00 Taking part in the parade? Head to St John’s Church by 6pm
6.15 Fire spinning performance from Ragna Fire Collective
6.20 Lantern Parade starts from St John’s Church
6.45 Mayor Philip Campagna switches on the lights
6.50 Follow the Samba party and parade down the road
7.00 Keep the festivities going by visiting A Little Night Market and the Cheese & Grain!
Santa has kindly taken time out of his busy schedule to visit Frome on the night. You’ll find him and his elves in a glittering grotto on the ground floor of the WHY office, 14-15 North Parade, BA11 1AU, between 4.30-7.30pm. It costs just £3 per child on the day and the money raised supports We Hear You’s vital services for children, young people and adults who have been affected or bereaved by cancer and life-threatening conditions.
Mayor of Frome, Cllr Philip Campagna said, “I’m really looking forward to this year’s Christmas extravaganza as it always brings joy and magic to our streets. Merry music and entertainment are great for uplifting us all even on the darkest of nights and it’s always very special hearing the samba drums approaching and witnessing the glowing lanterns as they make their way through the town. With the addition of the Little Night Market this year, there is plenty to see, do and eat all evening!”
The Cheese and Grain is open from 7pm for hot chocolate, boozy hot chocolate, pizzas, Greek wraps, mulled wine, and other bar/café products. People can come and warm up and enjoy free live music from 8pm. More details on the Cheese and Grain Facebook page.
There is still time to make your own lanterns and be involved in the parade itself. Head to Frome Town Hall or the Discover Frome Information Point in the Library and pick up a kit for as little as £2 for a small bundle and get creative! Tips, advice and how to make your own eco-friendly glue can be found at www.fromelanterns.co.uk.
Road closures will be in place from 4pm, so anyone planning to attend is asked to walk to the event if possible. The Cattle Market, Merchants Barton and Vicarage Street car parks will remain open to enable people to park until they are full. The Cork Street taxi rank will be relocated to Saxonvale, alongside the pedestrian entrance to the Kingsway, and buses and coaches will be diverted so please look out for the signs on relevant bus stops.
Main photo: Steve Creffield
