Frome gears up for its historic carnival procession on Saturday, continuing Somerset’s cherished tradition of illuminated carnivals. The event, which has been a highlight of the town for nearly a century, will feature beautifully decorated carts and walkers parading through the streets starting at 7pm.
However, organisers have cautioned that this could be the last Frome Carnival unless additional financial support is secured. Unique among Somerset’s carnivals as the only registered charity, the event not only entertains thousands but also raises vital funds that are reinvested into the local community. Donations from the carnival support various individuals, organisations, and community causes throughout Frome.
The funding challenge arises because proceeds from the parade collections go directly to the charity. Thus, the costs of staging the carnival must be covered through alternative funding streams, which has become increasingly difficult.
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To accommodate the procession, several road closures will be in effect on Saturday at specified times:
From 1pm to 5pm:
- Weymouth Road (entire length)
- Somerset Road (from Queens Road junction to B3090 The Butts junction)
From 2pm to 5pm:
- A362 Christchurch Street West and East (entire lengths)
- B3090 Wesley Slope, Butts Hill, The Butts (entire lengths)
- A362 Gorehedge (entire length)
From 3pm to 10:30pm:
- Manor Road (from B3090 The Butts junction to Manor Way junction)
- Manor Way (entire length)
From 6pm to 11:59pm:
- B3090 Bath Street, Market Place, The Bridge, North Parade (entire lengths)
- B3090 Fromefield (from North Parade junction, 150 meters northeast)
- Berkley Road (entire length)
- Clink Road (from Whitestone Road junction to Forest Road junction)
- Eagle Lane (entire length)
- A362 Christchurch Street East (entire length)
- B3090 Wesley Slope, Butts Hill (entire lengths)
- A362 Gorehedge (entire length)
Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly and consider alternative parking options during these times.
If you capture photos or videos of the procession, the organisers welcome you to share them via their Facebook page or email [email protected].
The Frome Carnival marks the beginning of the South West’s vibrant illuminated carnival season, which continues across numerous towns through autumn, including Shaftesbury, Wincanton, Taunton, and Bridgwater.