TWO community fundraising events are planned this May and June in Frome to raise much needed funds for the skatepark project.

A ‘Skate Jam’ is popping up in Mary Baily, adjacent to Victoria Park, from 10am to 4pm on Saturday May 9.

Following the success of previous events, this one promises a day of excitement and fun for the entire family, with best trick competitions and music creating an energetic atmosphere.

The community group is working to raise money to create a new skatepark in the Mary Baily playing field together with Rotary Club of Frome and Frome Town Council.

All wheeled sports enthusiasts, including skateBoarders, roller skaters, scooter riders, and BMX bikers, are welcome to join in the activities.

The skate jam is open to all ages and abilities, encouraging everyone to take part, whether a seasoned pro or a complete beginner.

There are also skating classes on offer from local tutor Dave Lea: attendees can book 30-minute skate classes for £6 at 10am and 10.30am (6-11 years) and 11am and 11.30am (12-16 years), with all proceeds to the skatepark project.

On Thursday June 18 at 7pm, the team is hosting a screening of ‘Woolf Women: Now or Never’ at the Merlin Theatre. The documentary follows five young female downhill skaters on an epic road trip across Europe, finishing up at the Sumela Monastery in Turkey.

This year's events will be following on from a successful Skate Jam 2025 attended by then Mayor Andy Jones.
This year's events will be following on from a successful Skate Jam 2025 attended by then Mayor Andy Jones. (Frome Town Council)

Director Marchella de Angelis will introduce the screening, which is followed by a Q&A. Tickets cost £7 plus booking fee from the Merlin website.

Lead councillor for the skatepark project, Cllr Polly Lamb, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Frome Skatepark Project building momentum.

“These events are a brilliant way to bring the community together and raise the profile of skating and wheeled sports, while we work together towards creating this fantastic new facility for Frome.

“There’s a real buzz around what’s being created at Mary Baily and I’d encourage everyone to get involved.”

The team will also be at the Frome Independent on Sunday 7 June, selling merchandise including bags, mugs and T-shirts, and talking about the new skatepark, and will benefit from a bucket collection at the event.

Sue Bucklow of Frome Skatepark Project said: “We hope to see lots of people on 9 May for another amazing skate jam – book early for the skating lessons with Dave Lea to avoid disappointment.

“I'm really looking forward to the Woolf Women screening - taking a passion for skating to the next level! There’s loads more to come – keep an eye on Frome Skatepark Project and the town council’s Facebook pages for other ways to get involved, have fun and help us hit our fundraising target.”

Tickets for the Woolf Women screening can be booked at: https://merlintheatre.co.uk/class/woolf-women-now-or-never/.

Skate lessons at the Skate Jam are booked via https://www.tickettailor.com/events/frometowncouncil/2143790

Donations to the Frome Skatepark Project can be made via the fundraising page at https://givealittle.co/c/fromeskatepark.