Purple Elephant, the Frome-based charitable organisation, have declared their first large-scale event since lockdown 2019 to be a success as they were joined on Monday 23 August, by almost 600 children and adults for the Frome Children's Festival.

Taking place in the Cheese and Grain's carpark, its market hall and its studio workshop-rooms as well as in the woods adjacent to river walk, this free, 4-hour long event was a smaller offering than in previous years – where attendance has reached over 2,000 people. Unable to hold the Festival in 2020 due to Covid, organisers, Purple Elephant, were keen to provide an uncrowded festival with timed-entry and a greater chance to social distance to ensure that everyone's summer holiday this year remains healthy and fun.

Director Sue Willis explains "Frome families were amazing. Everyone took their turn with patience and a positive attitude; it was a real joy to feel somewhat 'normal' again with so many cheery faces enjoying a special day.'

This year's special day offered children and their families the chance to build dens, rope-climb trees, take part in forest school activities, make music, skateboard, play giant scrapstore games, have their faces painted, be a part of accessible multi-sports, listen to stories, model with clay, be adorned with glitter-paint, join science fun experiments, dance along with disco moves, decorate cakes, chill in the sensory room, join a yoga session, eat delicious food, make green-screen special effects mini films and more!

Without the goodwill and hard work of all the activity providers, a host of amazing volunteers and the Cheese and Grain, this annual town event would not be possible. Organisers would like to thank everyone who gave their time to help as well as to acknowledge the generous support of The National Lottery Community Fund and Frome Town Council.

Money from FTC's People's Budget along with the funds provided by The National Lottery Community Fund meant that the whole event was free for all who attended. Within Frome there are a significant number of families who are either financially disadvantaged or who face complex challenges; the provision of a free day of fun, with targeted pre-event communication, allows the festival to be accessed by those who otherwise often miss out.

Purple Elephant would also encourage those who enjoyed the day to let their employers know as Purple Elephant are currently looking for additional business-sponsors to help them continue to deliver their many free or very very low cost offerings which include Toy Library, Stay and Play Sessions, Early Years Support, Befriending and Holiday-activities as well as the Children's Festival.

Learn more about the Children's Festival and other local services for families via their website www.PurpleElephant.org.uk