The celebratory Christmas Light Switch On is set to take place on Friday 22 November from 5pm to 7pm and once again, Frome Town Council is inviting residents to join in the festivities by making their own unique lantern for the parade.

To ensure a healthy ratio of lanterns to people, the council team asks for a maximum of two people per lantern in the parade.

This year's theme is Winter Woodland.

Creations will include mice, deer, foxes and badgers and it's your opportunity to get as imaginative as you can.

If you would like a bit of direction and guidance bookings are now open for the community workshops.

The first one is at Frome Library, on Saturday 2 November, 10-11.15am. The rest will be held at the Silk Mill: Friday 15 November at 5pm, Saturday 16 November, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm and Sunday 17 November, 10.30am-12pm and 1-3pm.

All the sessions are free, you just need to purchase the material kits which come in a variety of sizes and are available at the workshop or ahead of time from Discover Frome at the Library, or the Town Hall. Booking is essential.

Cllr, Mark Dorrington said: "The Christmas Light Switch On signals the start of the festive season in Frome and always starts with a sparkly bang, thanks to Frome's enthusiasm and creativity.

"So we're calling on you again to get involved and make it an event not to be forgotten! We're also very excited about the entertainment for this year, ranging from traditional Christmas cheer with Frome Town Band and Frome Choir, to international swing singer and showman Andrew Bourn, to the uplifting and energetic The Enrichments.

"Make sure the date is in your diaries."

Father Christmas is also coming to town thanks to local charity We Hear You (WHY).

You can book a slot between 4.30pm and 7.30pm for up to four children to visit Santa in his grotto at the WHY office (opposite Frome Museum).

The grotto costs just £4 per child, with a gift and a sweet treat and the money raised at the grotto supports WHY's vital emotional support services for children, young people and adults who have been affected or bereaved by cancer and life-threatening conditions.

The search for the Mayor's Christmas Card has also begun, with children up to age 12 being asked to submit their Winter Woodland artistic offerings for this year's card by 5pm Friday 25 October 2024.

Find out more about Frome's Light Switch On, book lantern workshops and find links for the Christmas card competition and the WHY Santa's grotto at www.discoverfrome.co.uk/christmas-in-frome