FROME ukulele group The Frukes are making the trip to Germany this summer to represent the town in a 150th anniversary celebration.

The musicians are travelling to Murrhardt in Baden-Wurttemberg in southern Germany for the annual meeting of Frome’s four European partner towns in a pan-european celebration of their twinning.

Frome is partnered with Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne in France, Pieve di Soligo in Italy, the German town of Murrhardt and Rabka-Zdrój in Poland.

Guests from the Ukrainian town of Chuhuiv are also expected to join the celebrations taking place between 10 and 12 July celebrating the 150th anniversary of Murrhardt’s town band, with each of the partner towns invited to bring a band.

The Frukes stepped up and will be representing the town and performing at the celebration event.

Sue Marshall, Chair of the Frukes said: “To say the Frukes are overexcited by this venture is an understatement.

“We have considered playing abroad for sometime but now it is happening and we are very proud and very chuffed to be showcasing Frome on the European stage in Murrhardt as part of the town partnership.

“We will travel by plane, car, bus, train and bike to celebrate the Partnership celebrations in July. Now how do you pack a cajon and a ukulele?!”

Cllr Philip Campagna said: “I am extremely pleased that the Frukes agreed to travel to Murrhardt and represent Frome in the partnership celebrations in July. They are great ambassadors for the town.

“Sue Marshall, Sue Klepper and Roger Southard have worked with me to make this happen.

“They are excited about making contact with other musicians from our four partner towns and developing sustainable partnerships and exchanges."

Find out more about Frome’s partner towns and how to get involved at https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/our-community/twinning/