CHANGES have been made to the Christmas Lights Switch-On and Parade in Frome.

The event, which runs from 3pm to 7.30pm on Friday, November 21, sees thousands take to the streets to get the festive season started.

“This year’s event sees some important changes, designed to make it safer and more inclusive for everyone,” a spokesperson for organiser Frome Town Council (FTC) said.

The “main change”, they said, is the direction of the lantern parade, which will start from North Parade car park (not St John’s Church) this year.

Mayor of Frome, Anita Collier, said: “I’m so looking forward to being your MC for this year’s Christmas event – especially after such a different and quiet switch-on as your Mayor during Covid.

“This year’s celebration will be full of the Christmas cheer you know and love, but it will look and feel a little different.”

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Details of the Frome Christmas Lights Switch-On and Lantern Parade event:

Food, fun and music outside the library
From 3pm, people can enjoy a festive food court outside Frome Library, serving mulled cider, wine and apple juice, along with hot and cold treats from local traders.
The food court runs until 7.30pm, alongside fairground rides, Christmas tunes, and performances from Frome Town Band (5pm to 5.45pm) and Frome Street Bandits (7pm to 7.30pm).

New direction for the lantern parade
This year’s parade will start at North Parade car park (not St John’s Church) and process towards the Christmas tree, led by Jamma de Samba.
Barriers will be in place along Market Place to the bridge, creating a clear path for the parade – no ropes this year.

Switching on the lights
Mayor Anita Collier will arrive at The George ahead of the lantern parade at 6pm, welcomed by the town crier, and will lead the ceremony from the balcony, welcoming singer Andrew Carpenter and performers from Tri.Art. After the parade and samba party, Mayor Anita will lead the crowd in a countdown to the switching on of Frome’s Christmas lights.

Travel and parking
Roads will close from 4pm to 9pm, with people urged to walk or cycle to the event.
Merchant’s Barton (68), Vicarage Street (17) and Badcox (22) car parks will remain open.
Cork Street and North Parade car parks will close from 4.30pm, and Cattle Market from 5.30pm. The filter lane from Cattle Market to Welshmill Road will stay open throughout.
Wallbridge remains closed at the time of the event.

Road closures and diversion information
Road closures operate from 4pm to 9pm on November 21.
From the north, follow the diversion via Rodden Road only. After Rodden Road you will be guided onto the A362 southbound, until you re‑join your destination beyond the town centre.
From the south, traffic should continue on the A362 northbound and then turn onto Rodden Road to bypass the closed town centre zone. Do not use Portway/Christchurch Street, as that route is closed to through traffic during the event.

Buses
Road closures affect all bus services in the town centre between 4pm and 9pm. The D2 and D2X will start and end at the Vine Tree pub, towards Bath and Sainsbury’s.
The X34 Faresaver bus will divert via Fromefield. Other local buses on 21 November will terminate/divert outside the town centre between 4pm and 9pm. There will be notices in relevant bus stops.

Bucket collection
Donations from the night will support the Frome Christmas Get Together.

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