On Sunday 12 July, children and families will gather in the town centre for the first Frome ‘Wildlife Parade’, displaying an array of handmade animal masks created via a series of school and community workshops, celebrating nature, imagination and our connection to the natural world. Everyone is welcome to come and take part or just cheer on the parade from the Market Place.
Road closures and some changes to public transport are in operation on the day of the event: below is further information about the arrangements:
Parade
The Wildlife Parade starts at 2pm from the top of Bath Street and makes its way down into the Market Place. Anyone taking part should gather at St John’s Church from 1.30pm. The parade culminates around 3pm in Welshmill Woods for play, shade and refreshments.
No booking required – anyone who has made a mask is invited to come and join the parade. Bring suncream and water and wear comfy shoes! There will be refreshments available at the end of the parade.
Travel and parking
Roads through the town centre close from 1pm to allow time to install barriers and bunting to line the parade. The road will reopen as soon as the parade has moved on to the market and the road is clear; the latest time is 4pm.
The following roads are closed between 1pm and 4pm: Catherine Hill, Stony Street, King Street, Palmer Street, Church Street, Market Place, Bath Street, Church Steps, Eagle Lane, Cork Street and Waterloo.
View the full road closure information.
Buses
As the Wildlife Parade is on a Sunday, only the D2 and D2X services are running. No FirstBus services serve the Market Place between 1pm and 4pm on 12 July.
D2: The bus will divert along Rodden Road at the Vine Tree pub and proceed via New Road and Wallbridge. It will then rejoin its usual route along Christchurch Street West.
D2X: The bus will not turn right onto Fromefield, but continue onto Rodden Rd as above, before turning left onto Butts Hill and rejoining its usual route
Buses towards Bath will operate the same diversion in reverse.
Taxis
Cork Street taxi rank is closed between 1pm and 4pm. A temporary taxi rank is next to Marks & Spencer, across the road from Merchants Barton car park.
Parking
All Frome car parks remain open during the Wildlife Parade, except for Cork Street which will be closed for the duration of the event. No access in or out of Cork Street car park is possible during the parade.
Disabled parking and access
Merchants Barton car park is the best location for disabled parking. There is step-free access from Merchants Barton to a viewing area outside the Kutchenhaus shop, where King Street joins the Market Place.
Toilets
Toilets are available within the Cheese and Grain, as part of the You’re Welcome scheme. There is a Changing Places facility in the Market Yard toilet block, accessible with a radar key.
Other businesses participating in the You’re Welcome scheme are:
- RISE, Whittox Lane*
- Black Swan Arts, Bridge Street*
- Café La Strada, Cheap Street
- Moo and Two, Catherine Hill
- *denotes accessible toilet
This page will be regularly updated with information about the Wildlife Parade.
