FROME Town Council is preparing for the annual Christmas light switch-on event which marks the beginning of the festive season in the town.
Set to take place Friday, November 22, from 5pm to 7pm in the town centre, the event will feature lantern artists Mel Day and Aliss Vaas. Leading the parade for the seventh consecutive year, they aim to enhance the festivities with new and exciting elements.
The theme this year is winter woodland. Participants can book one of several free workshops making woodland creatures, or they can buy a kit with all the materials you need from Frome Town Hall or Discover Frome at the Library.
Aliss Vaas and Mel Day will conduct a one-time advanced creative lantern workshop for adults on Saturday, October 12. Participants will have the opportunity to create intricately decorated toadstools and owls.
Mel and Aliss said in a joint statement: “It is so special for us to run the parade in our hometown. It is a chance to bring everyone together in a shining celebration. Every year we are astonished and delighted by the beautiful lanterns people make at home and in the workshops but the main thing is to take part, so why not make a simple pyramid with our small kit and join in too.
“We've been running the Frome Lantern Parade at the Christmas lights switch-on since 2017, supported by Frome Town Council.”
Several local cafes and eateries will be open during the evening of the event, ready to offer refreshments to attendees. Projects Café will serve hot drinks, soups, and cakes, while The Cornerhouse will have Pieminister pies and mulled cider available. Most places will provide takeaway options, so visitors can enjoy their treats as they explore the lively streets and join in the festive activities.
A family-friendly session will be held at Frome Library on November 2. Additional workshops will be offered leading up to the parade, so check the Frome Lanterns website for updated information on dates and times.
After creating a lantern, people are invited to participate in the parade during the Christmas light switch-on event, which will be led by the Samba Band. Please be aware that participation in the parade is restricted to two individuals per lantern.
Lantern kits are available to buy at Frome Town Hall and Discover Frome at Frome Library. Book here: www.fromelanterns.co.uk
For more information about the event visit: www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk