Frome is looking forward to its jubilee celebrations where a number of events across the town are happening throughout the jubilee weekend.
The town decided how to spend the £15,000 jubilee budget through the ‘People’s Budget jubilee vote’ and chose the addition of a centre piece to the blossom circle at the Old Showfield. The blossom circle was planted last year by representatives of Frome’s community who had been particularly community minded in the pandemic.
The new addition will create accessible pathways into and around the blossom circle and provide seating around the centre piece. Two ceremonial stones either side of the circle have both been donated by local quarries to mark the Platinum Jubilee – with Curtis Ilott providing the inscription work. The project is now well under way and a celebration event is planned on the 2nd June at 2-4pm at the Old Showfield with the plaque unveiling to take place at 3pm.
Frome Town Council are inviting people to join them, bring their picnics, and experience the tranquility of the blossom circle. There will be some acoustic music and fun, with refreshments available from the Crumpeteers, Active and in Touch and Flow on the go – with activities including a fun dog agility course (bring your dog, your child or your cuddly toy on a string) and creating Buggingham Palace.
Councillor Mark Dorrington says: “A Platinum Jubilee is really something to behold, and we are delighted that the people of Frome chose the blossom circle to be at the centre of their celebrations. Do sign up to have a sapling and come and experience this lovely space.”
As part of the celebrations Frome Town Council also have 70 saplings to give away to residents. You simply need to be a Frome resident, and agree to look after the tree in your garden. The trees – a mixture of hazel, rowan, silver birch, have been chosen as they are good for gardens and are bee friendly and they will be available to plant up and take away at the celebration event. If more people sign up than we have trees available, the mayor will draw residents at random.*
As Frome doesn’t have a beacon, and to be in line with other towns across the country that evening, there will be a ceremonial proclamation and a lighting of the Valentine lamp by Reg Ling. Usually only lit once a year on St Valentine’s Day, Reg was only too happy to oblige: “A Platinum Jubilee comes along once every 70 years, and I am delighted to be able to be master of ceremonies for this auspicious occasion.”
The town crier will also play his part performing 3 proclamations on the day, the first at 2pm on the Boyle Cross, he will then join with the mayor at the unveiling of the plaque at the Showfield at 3pm. He will then be a part of the ceremonial lighting of the Valentine lamp at 9.30pm.
As well as these events the Independent Market will be a feature on the 5th June as well as the Frome Town Band playing in Victoria Park from 3pm.
If you would like to list your jubilee events (or indeed any others) on the Frome Town Council website please get in touch with us at gtomlinson@frometowncouncil.gov.uk
*Please note: registration for the saplings has now closed.
