THE annual Christmas Light Switch On in Frome is set to take place this November, featuring a lantern parade and a programme of festive activities in the town centre.

This year’s light switch on and lantern parade is scheduled for Friday, November 21, in the town centre, led by the mayor of Frome, Cllr Anita Collier, who was unable to take part in a public light switch on in 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Cllr Collier said: “Frome’s Light Switch On is such a special night for our town, not just because it marks the start of the festive season, but because it brings people together. Whether you're walking in the lantern parade or just soaking up the atmosphere, there's something for everyone. I can’t wait to see the town shining again this November.”

Frome’s Christmas celebrations are all about community, creativity and of course a touch of sparkle, and this year promises more of the same. As the much-loved lantern parade continues to grow, the stunning handmade lanterns will set off from the top of North Parade, accompanied by the joyous Samba Band, as crowds line the route for better viewing.

The evening will get started just before 6pm with the arrival of the mayor and will culminate in the official light switch on taking place around 6.45pm. Festive food and drink stalls are planned and, of course, a visit from Father Christmas.

Lantern making is at the heart of the event and it’s a great way to get creative and feel part of something special. The theme this year is 'Peace'. Whether you’ve made a lantern before or it’s your first time, there’ll be community workshops running in the lead-up to the big night, with lantern kits also available to take home and get crafting.

Mel Day and Aliss Vaas from Frome Lanterns said: “We love the simple, powerful message a dove carries—peace—especially at Christmas time. We can already imagine how magical it will look with lots of dove and heart lanterns cascading down North Parade on the night!

“We’ve got family and community workshops planned as well as a specialist adult workshop for more confident crafters. There are also two middle school workshops which are always so joyful. All other Frome neighbourhood schools and classes can book materials and instructions through our website.”

A family lantern workshop will take place on November 1 from 9.30am to 11.45am at Frome Library, where families can create tall staffs decorated with hearts, doves, and leaves.

Community workshops will take place on November 8 and 9, at Frome Town Hall, offering participants the chance to make dove, heart, or decorated staff lanterns in a welcoming setting.

A specialist adult workshop will be held on Saturday, October 25, from 10am to 3pm, focusing on medium-sized bird lanterns and new crafting techniques.

Further details and booking information are available on the Frome Lanterns and Frome Town Council websites.

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