It may only be September now, but one Somerset town is already feeling the festive spirit, with exciting plans for their Christmas light switch on revealed.
Frome's much-loved family festive celebration celebrates their 10 year anniversary this Christmas season, with twinkling tinsel and ringing sleighbells quickly approaching.
Frome Town Council's annual Christmas Light Switch On and Light the Night Lantern Parade will take place on Friday, November 27, from 6pm to 7pm.
To celebrate the occasion, this year's theme will be 'Alice in Wonderland', with residents encouraged to create lanterns inspired by the classic story's colourful characters and imaginative world.
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The lantern parade has become a distinctive part of Christmas in Frome, bringing together families, schools, community groups and local organisations to light up the town centre.
In the run-up to the event, Frome Lanterns will once again host a series of workshops to help people develop ideas, learn lantern-making skills and create their own unique designs for the parade.
Over the past decade, the group has supported thousands of residents in taking part.
Mel and Aliss from Frome Lanterns said: “Ten years on, what still makes the parade special is seeing people of all ages take part and make it their own.
“Every lantern has its own story behind it, whether it’s made by a family, a school group or someone joining in for the very first time.
“We love seeing people’s ideas take shape through the workshops and can’t wait to see where the Alice in Wonderland theme takes us this year.
“You can book our first family lantern workshop on Saturday 31 October at the Library through our website. Keep an eye out for all our November workshops which will be available to book soon!”
People wanting to take part can already buy lantern kits, which are available from Frome Town Hall and the Discover Frome Information Point at Frome Library.
Mayor of Frome, Cllr Mark Dorrington, said the parade remains one of the town's most distinctive community events.
He said: “The Lantern Parade is one of those events that feels uniquely Frome.
“It brings together imagination, community spirit and a huge amount of hard work from all those involved.
“Celebrating 10 years makes this year’s event particularly special, and I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t taken part before to pick up a lantern kit and get involved.”
The festivities will begin before the Christmas lights are switched on, with the Cattle Market Car Park once again transformed into a food court between 3pm and 7.30pm.
Following strong demand last year, organisers say there will be an even wider selection of food and drink available for visitors gathering to enjoy the celebrations.
Further details about workshop dates, lantern-making sessions and the event programme will be released closer to November via the Discover Frome website.
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