One of the highlights of the Frome calendar is the Christmas tree light switch on accompanied by the Light the Night lantern parade. In previous years it’s always been a wonderful way for the town to come together to kick off the festive season.
Although this year we are unable to have some of our traditional festivities, Frome Town Council are making sure Christmas comes to town while ensuring that residents are able to stay safe. Frome centre will still get its annual festive makeover ready to welcome visitors and residents for all their Christmas shopping needs. The Christmas tree lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Frome at 6pm on Sunday 29th November but as we’re unable to gather around the tree this year, this will be live streamed so everyone can enjoy from the warm comfort of their own homes.
And because it just wouldn’t be Christmas in Frome without the lanterns, the brilliant team at Light the Night are supporting the community to create beautiful DIY lanterns. These will then be placed in front windows to create a special lantern trail around the town for everyone to enjoy from a distance.
Mayor of Frome Anita Collier said: “As I’m sure everyone understands, the safety of our residents and any visitors is our number one priority, this is why we are unable to gather together in the Market Place as we normally would. But, Christmas is most definitely not cancelled and together we can still make sure Frome brings light and cheer to our streets and I do hope you’ll be able to join me online with our virtual Christmas tree light switch on”.
Light the Night are running a variety of online workshops for the whole community to take part in, from advice sessions for beginners who’ve not made a lantern before and family sessions to get the kids involved, to more advanced sessions to help the crafty get even more creative. The workshops will continue until 21st November. You can purchase DIY Lantern Kits from Discover Frome Information Point and the Share Shop.
Aliss from the Light the Night team said, “We’re sad not to have the face to face community workshops but instead will offer some live online workshops, plus tutorials with instructions for you to follow in your own time. We’ll even be having a pop-up stall in the Share Shop where you can make an appointment to come and ask us questions. We’re looking forward to seeing all the homes in Frome light up with lanterns, fairy lights and all sorts of decorations – let’s get creative!”
The Light the Night Lantern Trail will take place on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th November from 5 – 8pm. Details about the online tutorials and workshops can be found here: www.fromelanterns.co.uk/
Details on where to view the virtual Christmas tree light switch on will be available soon, watch this space.
Published 22nd October 2020
