Over 3,500 people revelled in the Somerset sunshine, on Sunday 21 July, to celebrate the joy of childhood and family – in all its shapes and sizes - at the 10th anniversary Frome Children's Festival.

Designed and delivered by Frome-based charity, Purple Elephant, brought over 40 activities to locals and visitors, ranging from a baby just three weeks old to one town resident who said: "I'm closer to 100 than 90. Let's just leave it at that."

With zip wires over the river, live rescue owls, aerial silks workshops, forest school, puppetry, storytelling, creative activities, graffiti wall-painting, den-building, wildlife stalls, clay modelling, music workshops, theatre, accessible sports, a fairy trail, face painting, professional music-recording, BMX skills and even a silent disco in the evening, there was something for everyone in this most special of days.

Children's Festival founder, Sue Wills explained: "This happy and successful day literally could not happen without the support of our amazing town. 

"We would like to thank the army cadets, local volunteers, those providers who ran their activities for free on a voluntary basis, Rotary club volunteers, Frome Town Council staff and volunteers, the Cheese and Grain staff and local companies including Kevin Corcoran, Carpet Factory, the Independent Market, Sydenhams and our sponsors and funders Frome Town Council, Frome Town Rotary Clubs, Garfield Weston, the National Lottery and Dennis Maps. 

"Our thanks as well go to the young people and young trainees who were integral in designing the event."

The Children's Festival requests only donations from attendees, not a set entry price and has a ban on onsite merchandising, plus, thanks to partner organisation Fair Frome, is even able to offer to pay-what-you-can lunch wraps, to reflect Purple Elephant charity's aims to be as accessible and inclusive as possible for Frome and area families.

One mother told organisers: "That is the first time I can ever remember all five of us just spending a whole day together simply playing. It was fantastic." 

Described by one visitor as "an abundance of love and positivity", the day's revelries were perhaps summed up best by a local Frome resident who said he noticed "…the impact of families being somewhere they are not constantly hounded for more money to do things, it's such a different experience, for the children and their carers. It was a very special day."

Organisers would also like to acknowledge those who donated to a total of £2,300 collected via pre-booked tickets or by giving on the day. As Sue Willis explains "Funding and grants are harder than ever to obtain. .. and this year's event was hanging in the balance at one point. It was the first time we have asked people to book and donate ahead and we are delighted to see that it has really made a noticeable difference. Thank you, Frome!"

To learn more about Purple Elephant's charitable services, which run all year round in support of families facing any kind of disadvantage, or to become a personal donor or year-round local sponsor of this vital charity, head to the website.