FROME will officially be welcoming in the festive season later this month with the much anticipated Light the Night event.

Taking place on November 22, the Market Place will be transformed from 5pm to 7pm thanks to live music from Frome Town Band, Frome Community Choir, The Enrichments and Andrew Bourn who will help set a festive tone, before a Winter Woodland-themed lantern parade makes its way down from St John’s Church, led by Jamma de Samba.

Once the parade has made its way into the town centre, Frome Mayor councillor Andy Jones will lead a countdown from the George Hotel’s balcony and Frome’s Christmas lights will be switched on by Frida Scott, winner of the 2024 Mayor’s Christmas card competition.

This year, there are new pop-up food options on offer in the Westway precinct, including pulled pork and vegan nachos from Grill Forty Four, hot drinks and crumpets from The Crumpeteers, and churros and Greek wraps from Pizza Pizza UK.

In addition, Moo and Two and More Wines are joining forces outside Superdrug offering mulled wine, and a number of local businesses will be open for refreshments, including Cordero Lounge, The Stores, Archangel, Green Room Wines, Flow Bar, Choc et Al, UK Off Licence and Projects.

This year has “new and improved” lights Picture: Craig Morris

Cllr Steve Tanner said “Light the Night is always a great event, and this year has an exciting new element: we’ve got some new and improved Christmas lights for 2024 that we look forward to sharing with you.

“Thanks to Mel Day and Aliss Vaas of Frome Lanterns for running the lantern workshops, helping people create stunning lanterns and making the parade such a special moment for the town, Fairfield Electrical, to all the businesses getting involved, to the musicians and most importantly to you, the people who come down into town to celebrate the start of the festive season with us.”

For youngsters wishing to combine the evening with a trip to visit Father Christmas, local cancer charity We Hear You are hosting a grotto from their office on North Parade from 4pm to 7pm.

Book a slot for £4 per child and find out more about the Light the Night schedule, food options and more at http://www.discoverfrome.co.uk/christmas-in-frome

The event is hosted by Frome Town Council.