Frome is in the running to become the UK’s next Town of Culture.
Frome Town Council has officially submitted an expression of interest to the national Town of Culture competition, which celebrates places where culture is woven into everyday life and supports community wellbeing, economic growth and a sense of identity.
Backed by a well-attended stakeholder meeting, the town’s bid highlights its rich cultural scene, spanning nationally recognised venues, festivals, markets and community events like the Frome Carnival and Children’s Festival.
If Frome is shortlisted, it will receive £60,000 to develop a full application, with the winning town set to receive £3m to deliver its cultural programme.
Cllr Tracey Ashford said: "Frome has always been a town that does things differently.
"This bid is an opportunity to build on the fabulous cultural opportunities that we already have, and to truly celebrate it, while creating new opportunities for the future, particularly for our young people.
"We’d really encourage everyone to get involved as we ask what culture in Frome means to you and both what you would like to see from and how you could contribute to our Town of Culture programme."
The council is gathering feedback and ideas via its digital engagement platform, My Frome, to ensure residents’ voices shape the final proposal.
If the bid is successful, the funding would support an ambitious programme of cultural activity designed to leave a lasting legacy for the community.
Emma Rice, artistic director of the Emma Rice Company based at The Lucky Chance, said: "Culture is where creativity meets community, and nowhere embodies that quite like Frome – famous across the country for its bold artistic spirit and the way people come together to make things happen.
"It’s why Emma Rice Company chose to make the town our home, and why we wholeheartedly support this bid.
"Frome deserves to be recognised for the crucible of creativity it already is and the cultural powerhouse it could become."
