Friday night saw the Christmas Lights Switch on in Frome and the market place turn into Samba Central with the Samba Band leading a magnificent and dramatic lantern parade converging on the town centre form three directions.
Over the course of the last 6 week Mel Day and Aliss Vaas worked tirelessly putting together a host of lanterns in a series of school and community workshops. Over 900 residents had taken part in the workshop and there was an excellent turn out both for the parade itself and also spectators. The workshops had been chosen by the people of Frome as an event that they wanted to see happen and had had a fantastic response. The lantern parade itself really added to the festiveness of the occasion. The Frome samba band Jamma de Samba lead the parade down bath street to what was an exciting culmination everyone’s hard work.
Before the parade, Frome Community Choir and Frome based children’s rock band Rocktopus had kicked things off – with their traditional and not so traditional take on festive songs much to the appreciation of the crowd. And as the parade arrived carols were sung to the accompaniment of Frome Town Band.
Mayor Sheila Gore and schoolboy Ted Lewis-Clark responsible for this year’s first Class stamp then lead the countdown to the meticulously timed switch-on of the Christmas Tree Lights.
Frome Town Council would particularly like to thank The George & Number 5 Cafe for hosting them – Mayor Sheila gore said: “Community is absolutely at the heart of this event. We are so lucky that the George are so community minded and are happy to host the switch on from the balcony. It just wouldn’t be the same without it. And it was great to be able to have Father Christmas raising money for Why a too!”
The Christmas Tree this year has been sponsored by All Hallows’ School. Organizer Faye Penfold said: ‘I hope everybody agrees that the tree looks fantastic in its new position this year and the lights the lights particularly are magical.
It was also the first outing for the improved Boyles Cross area. Faye went on the say “We were delighted that Boyle Cross could be incorporated in our plans for the night. It’s a really fantastic space and presents Frome with a great area to run lots of different smaller events throughout the year. A great first outing and a joyous and festival occasion I hope you will all agree”
If you have a great idea like Mel and Aliss and would like to apply for The People’s Budget: Events funding email info@frometowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01373 465757.
