Frome’s much-loved Christmas Light Switch On returns on Friday 27 November to celebrate its 10th anniversary, bringing an evening of festive celebrations, live entertainment, delicious food and, of course, the much-anticipated lantern parade.
The festivities get underway from 3pm, with the Cattle Market car park transformed into a lively food court. Visitors can enjoy a fantastic choice of street food, sweet treats and drinks from a range of local and visiting traders, including La Lola, Misters, Pavan Suragana, Picnic Canteen Bath, Rheinland Catering, More Wine, Melted, The Crumpeteers, Son of a Bun, Natural Flames, Tibetan Memories, Hedgerow Cordials, Palmer Street Bottle and Tony’s Ice Cream.
There will be plenty more to enjoy throughout the afternoon and evening. Frome Carnival will be running a light stall, with funfair rides for younger visitors, while DJ Helen Viner, Frome Town Band and Frome Street Bandits will provide the soundtrack.
From 6pm, the atmosphere will build as stilt walkers take to the streets and local young performers Jess the Harpist and Broccoli Boy join the Mayor of Frome on the balcony of the George Hotel for some special entertainment.
Finally the much anticipated annual lantern parade, led by a samba band will set off from the top of North Parade, with a wonderful display of handmade lanterns making their way through the town centre before everyone gathers for the Christmas lights switch-on.
This year’s parade has an extra reason to celebrate, marking 10 years of Frome’s Light the Night Lantern Parade. The theme is Alice in Wonderland, so expect a little magic, imagination and plenty of colour along the way from Frome Lanterns lead spectacle lanterns.
Mayor of Frome, Mark Dorrington, said: “Christmas in Frome is always such a special occasion, and what makes it so wonderful is the way our community comes together to celebrate. From the incredible lanterns made by local people to the performers, musicians, traders and volunteers who help bring the evening to life, there is so much to enjoy. I’m really looking forward to seeing the town filled with festive cheer and joining everyone for the big switch-on. I hope as many people as possible will come along and be part of it.”
Families with younger children can also book a visit to Santa’s Grotto, which will be raising funds for local charity We Hear You. Advance booking is recommended, as spaces are limited.
The event is free to attend and offers something for everyone. Visitors can also find inspiration for making their own lanterns through Frome Lanterns, while Discover Frome will have details of the food court and local businesses and eateries staying open for the celebrations.
The evening will also help raise funds for Frome’s Christmas Get Together and Fair Frome, whose work includes providing Christmas food parcels for local people in need.
For the latest information about the Christmas Light Switch On, including road closures, car parking, and public transport information, visit www.discoverfrome.co.uk/christmas-in-frome.
