Frome Festival 25th Anniversary Gala Launch X King of Fools
2026-07-02 19:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Merlin Theatre, Bath Road, Frome, BA11 2HG
Celebrate Frome Festival’s 25th anniversary with a gala launch of this year’s programme, featuring Kairos Theatre’s acclaimed musical “King of Fools” written by former Frome Festival director Martin Dimery. Set in the court of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Henry’s famous jester, Will Sommers, finds himself the butt of the King’s frustration as the royal divorce goes through interminable delays. Join for a celebratory reception from 7pm with fizz and refreshments.
“King of Fools” is written by former Frome Festival Director, Martin Dimery, in musical collaboration with Helen Turner, renowned keyboard player with Paul Weller’s Style Council, and subsequent work.
Set in the court of Henry the Eighth and Anne Boleyn, Henry’s famous jester, Will Sommers, finds himself the butt of the King’s frustration as the royal divorce goes through interminable delays. Will discovers a young barmaid called Jane, in a Cheapside tavern, entertaining the regulars. Will thinks Jane could be the ideal companion and female jester for Anne. He presents her at court as “Jane Fool” and she becomes an instant success. He has also secretly fallen in love with her. As Henry’s disillusionment with Anne grows, so Jane is drawn into Cromwell’s evil plot to be rid of Henry’s young queen. Anne, though, sees Jane as the perfect scapegoat, setting up a gripping finale from the scaffold.
The musical score draws a range of styles from rock to vaudeville and Music Hall. Kairos Theatre Company incorporates experienced performers from around the region and specialises in presenting new or rarely seen plays.
“Funny, clever and brilliantly performed.” “Splendid book, music, singing, dancing and acting.”
*Note: This will take place in the main Merlin Theatre auditorium
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Frome Festival – 25th Anniversary Photo Exhibition
2026-07-03 09:00 - 2026-07-12 17:00 | Cafe La Strada, 13 Cheap Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1BN, United Kingdom
Celebrate Frome Festival’s silver anniversary by exploring images from the last 25 years. Explore memories from events and activities across Frome that helped make Frome Festival what it is today. Curated by Lockhart Murdoch, Co-Chair of Frome Festival.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Five Mile Walk – Frome Walking Wheel
2026-07-03 09:30 - 12:30 | Frome Station, Station Approach, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1RE, United Kingdom
Walk round the lesser known neighbourhoods of Frome at a gentle pace. There will be a refreshment break at Trinity Church. Please wear comfortable, weatherproof clothes and appropriate footwear. Children are the responsibility of the adults who bring them.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Carve a Green Man in Stone in a Day
2026-07-03 10:30 - 16:30, 2026-07-04 10:30 - 16:30 | Holy Trinity Church, Trinity Street, Frome, BA11 3DE
Join stonemason and bestselling author Andrew Ziminski for a one-day beginners’ workshop in stone carving. Learn the basic skills needed to create a relief carving of the Green Man using Bath stone. By the end of the day, you’ll have your own finished carving to take home.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Chapel Barton Looms
2026-07-03 11:00 - 15:00 | The Old Sunday School, 4 Chapel Barton, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1BZ, United Kingdom
Marie-Louise MacLeay has dedicated over 15 years to preserving Frome’s rich weaving heritage, sharing her passion with others. This remarkable collection of working floor, table, and upright looms is located through the Zion archway on Catherine Hill, with local glass artist Katrina Beattie also showcasing her stunning murrini bowls, coasters, and jewellery.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Alice Seeley – Anti-Slavery Campaigner
2026-07-03 11:00 - 15:00 | Frome Museum, North Parade, Frome, BA11 1AT, United Kingdom
This joint exhibition with Photo|Frome presents searing photographs by Frome resident Alice Seeley (1870–1970) in King Leopold II’s Congo Free State. Using her Kodak camera, she documented the mutilation of Congolese people under a brutal regime designed to enforce rubber production quotas. Shown internationally as lantern slides, her images galvanised public opinion and resulted in the collapse of Leopold’s personal rule in 1908. Alice Seeley was arguably the first photographer to create and use her own images as part of an active campaign for social change. Some photographs in this exhibition may be distressing.
The exhibition runs during Frome Museum’s normal opening hours: 11am to 3pm Tuesday to Saturday, plus Independent Market Sundays (5th July)
www.frome-museum.org
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Wonders of Creation
2026-07-03 11:00 - 16:00 | St John’s Church, Church St, Frome, BA11 1PL
Floral and visual displays by the people of St John’s Church, Frome Floral Art Society and local schools on the theme ‘Wonders of Creation’. The displays will be based on the Genesis account of Creation and focus on Earth and its wonders. Light refreshments on sale.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Art for Wellbeing Exhibition
2026-07-03 11:00 - 16:00 | St John’s Church, Church St, Frome, BA11 1PL
Frome Art for Wellbeing present a selection of members paintings, prints and cards. Most of the original works are for sale with profits going to artists. Take the opportunity to win your favourite painting by voting in the ‘People’s Choice’ – a prize draw will be held after the exhibitions.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Gala Organ Recital by Peter King
2026-07-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Christ Church, Christchurch Street West, Frome, BA11 1EH
Peter King, organist emeritus at Bath Abbey, launches Christ Church’s Festival programme with an exciting and varied programme. Featuring Respighi’s The Birds, pastoral Bach, Mendelssohn’s Sonata No 4, romantic Schumann and much more. This concert also includes work by distinguished Newcastle musician William Rea (1827-1903) to celebrate the forthcoming bicentenary of his birth. Event sponsored by Gavin Rea.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Guided Walks – Frome’s Millennium Trees
2026-07-03 14:30 - 16:00
In 2000, Tim Bentley created the Millennium Tree Project, and now you can join him for one of two distinct guided walks exploring some of the 2,000 trees he planted with local volunteers across Frome, showing how they’ve flourished, supported wildlife, and shaped the town’s green landscape over the years.
There will be two walks covering different parts of the town to see how some of trees have grown over the past 26 years (ticketed separately):
Walk 1 on Friday 3rd July will start and finish at the Cheese and Grain.
Walk 2 on Friday 10th July will start and finish at the entrance to the Dippy on Culverhill.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Argentous
2026-07-03 18:00 - 20:30 | The Silk Mill, Merchants Barton, Frome, BA11 1PT, United Kingdom
A collaborative art installation including ceramics, textiles, painting, jewellery, photography, glass and mixed media. Silk Mill artists and associates explore the brief Argentous (of silver), culminating in an informal showing of works in the Silk Mill’s shared spaces. Select individual studios will be open alongside.
https://www.instagram.com/silkmillcollective
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Live Music at the Bottle
2026-07-03 19:00 - 22:00 | Palmer Street Bottle, 11 Palmer Street, Frome, BA11 1DS
Palmer Street Bottle is hosting an evening of live music from four talented local musicians, each performing a 30-minute set. Between sets, enjoy short breaks to top up your drink – from cocktails to great craft beer – and catch up with friends. Come and discover some fantastic Frome talent! Bar opens from 12pm.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Your Move
2026-07-03 19:30 - 21:00 | Frome Town Hall, Christopher Street West, Frome, BA111EB, United Kingdom
Whose idea was it to buy a house together anyway? Four friends with mixed fortunes grab the chance to start over but somebody has a secret which could bring the walls crashing down. Your Move from Really Truly Theatre lights the touch-paper on another social issue.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Laura Jurd – 100 Years of Miles Davis
2026-07-03 19:30 - 22:00 | The Tunnels, 23 Bath Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1DJ, United Kingdom
One of the most distinctive voices in jazz and improvised music, Mercury-nominated Laura Jurd’s unique approach to the trumpet is celebrated in the work that she creates. A life-long, avid fan of 20th century icon, Miles Davis, this special one-off concert sees Laura leaning into the energy of Miles’ later periods, 100 years on from his birth. Re-imagining repertoire from across Miles’ career, expect rock-tinged, groove music that goes beyond a tribute and takes the spirit of Miles Davis to new and uncharted territory. In true “Milesian” fashion, Laura brings together a star-studded cohort of some of the most revered music-makers in their respective fields – an unmissable night of music played at the highest level.
Laura Jurd – trumpet
Elliot Galvin – keyboards
Ethan Johns – guitar
Ruth Goller – bass
Jeremy Stacey – drums
“The kind of musician I want to be in my next life” – Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio 2
Doors 7.30pm, start 8pm
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri
2026-07-03 19:30 - 22:00 | Rook Lane Chapel, Rook Lane, Bath Street, Frome, BA11 1DN
A very special intimate live performance from Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri.
For over 25 years now Kiki and Carmelo have been touring their spellbinding acoustic live show across the UK and Europe. Performing in this stripped back fashion allows each of their exceptional talents to shine through and create a wonderful and warm sense of intimacy for the audience.
Kiki has recently celebrated her 55th year in the music industry and has cemented her status as one of the UK’s finest and most revered vocalists, always moving forward with the music that she creates with Carmelo. Kiki says Carmelo is her favourite guitarist, and he co-writes and produces all their songs.
The duo’s latest critically acclaimed album THE LONG RIDE HOME was released in 2022, and is full of haunting, emotional and stunning songs that will hopefully please their army of fans.
Join Kiki and Carmelo for an acoustic journey of their songs and stories which also include some tracks from the new album, unique covers of songs by artists such as Kate Bush and Frank Sinatra, plus Kiki’s own hits, including “I Got The Music In Me”, “Loving & Free”, the stunning “Amoureuse”, and of course “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” which reached No.1 in the UK and US charts with Sir Elton John.
www.facebook.com/gm3music
This event is part of Frome Festival.

The Monochrome Set + Simon Chesterfield
2026-07-03 19:30 - 22:30 | The Tree House, 35 Berkley Road, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2EH, United Kingdom
Highly influential post-punk/indie band, The Monochrome Set. Loved by artists such as The Smiths, Franz Ferdinand and Blur and covered by such diverse acts as Iggy Pop and Tracey Thorn, this is a unique opportunity to see this legendary act at a small venue in Frome. The band features original Monochrome Set members Bid (guitar/vocals) and Andy Warren (bass) with Foz (guitar) Dave Morgan (drums) and Athen Ayren (keyboard). The Monochrome Set formed in 1978, and were heavily influential in the post-punk scene that evolved after the initial scorched earth of punk.
The band’s early releases were on the legendary Rough Trade Label before signing with Virgin offshoot Din Disc. They also released several albums on the Cherry Red label, making a notable appearance on that label’s well known “Pillows and Prayers” compilation.
Though The Monochrome Set split in 1985 the next decade saw several reunions for both live gigs and further studio recordings. After a hiatus of over a decade the band reformed full time in 2010 and have since toured all over the UK, Europe, Japan and the USA, whilst also releasing eight new, critically acclaimed, studio albums.
Now in their 48th year, they are beginning a new series of gigs promoting their latest album and playing songs old and new.
Support – Simon Chesterfield
Co-founder and ever-present member of Yeovil-based indie pop band The Chesterfields, Simon Chesterfield returns with a new pop band and new pop music. A seven inch single will be released by Spinout Nuggets in December.
Simon Chesterfield’s eponymous debut album was released by German label Legere Recordings in October 2024, a 10 inch vinyl album featuring six of Simon’s compositions reimagined as an orchestral performance. This was followed by a 7 inch single ‘Last Train To Christmas’ released by the Dutch label Snowflakes Christmas Single Club in November 2024, landing somewhere between the orchestral sound of the 10 inch and the jangle pop of The Chesterfields.
Simon’s new band line-up features Billy Shinbone (Neville Staple band, The Sinclairs) on guitar and vocals, Joe Atkinson (Donovan, The Rhynes) on keyboards and vocals, Wayne Higgins (John Parish band, Radio Flyer) on bass guitar, and producer Ben Scott Turner (i-nichi, Evil Owl) on drums.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Afriquoi X BCUC
2026-07-03 19:30 - 23:00 | Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, Frome, BA11 1BE
Two explosive forces collide for one unforgettable night of raw Afro-psychedelic energy and dancefloor heat for Frome Festival 2026
Afriquoi – live African dance music for a new generation
Blending Congolese guitar, Gambian kora, and Mandinka percussion with UK electronic sounds, Afriquoi create an uplifting, dancefloor-ready fusion of house, garage, disco, soul, and jungle. Formed in London in 2011, this powerhouse 5-piece have built a global underground following, with their track Kudaushe becoming a club favourite worldwide. From Glastonbury Festival to WOMAD and Boomtown, their high-energy live shows have lit up major stages across Europe. Pure fusion. Pure energy.
BCUC (Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness) – 2023 WOMEX Artist Award winners
“Without a doubt the best live act I saw.” – Gilles Peterson
Straight out of Soweto, BCUC deliver a powerful fusion of indigenous funk, hip-hop consciousness, and punk rock energy. What started in a shipping container has grown into one of the most explosive live acts on the global stage, lighting up festivals like Glastonbury Festival, Roskilde, and WOMAD.
More than music, it’s ritual, resistance, and raw spiritual energy.
“We bring fun and emo-indigenous Afro-psychedelic fire from the hood,” says vocalist Kgomotso Mokone.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Rosco Shakes Album Launch
2026-07-03 19:30 - 23:30 | The Talbot Inn, Selwood Street, Frome, BA11 3PN, United Kingdom
Join local Blues sensations Rosco Shakes for the launch party of their debut album ‘Hit The Ground’.
Funded by fans and produced by local maestro Seb Brice at Indefra Studio, the band has left its roots of jump blues behind and launched into a world of delta, disco, dark grooves and big blues. The band will be joined on stage by the local musicians who helped craft the record; it promises to be quite a show.
With a local support act and an after-party manned by the notorious Sneaky Pete’s Rodeo Club, Rosco Shakes is planning to kick off the Festival with a bang.
www.roscoshakes.com
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Dr Alibi + Mary & the Bubblegums
2026-07-03 20:00 - 23:00 | The Sun Inn, 6 Catherine Street, BA11 1DA
If you find yourself enjoying a wild mix of indie, punk rock, ‘60s garage and glam, topped up with a dash of the delightfully bizarre – all stirred into a B-movie-infused punk ‘n’ roll cocktail – then you’ve officially entered the strange and thrilling world of Dr Alibi.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Bach by Candlelight
2026-07-03 21:00 - 21:30 | Christ Church, Christchurch Street West, Frome, BA11 1EH
Experience the beauty and spiritual peace of Bach’s Easter cantata, Christ lag in Todesbanden, with strings and voices in perfect harmony. Directed by Alan Burgess. Donations to Christ Church’s building fund, Christ Church Future, gratefully received.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Frome Drama Presents Jean Genet’s the Maids
2026-07-03 21:00 - 22:30 | Archangel, 1 King Street, Frome, BA11 1BH
An intimate reimagining of Genet’s The Maids, set in contemporary Frome and performed at the Archangel.
In a curated bedroom of shabby-chic luxury and new-age calm, two local cleaners rehearse roles, rituals and revenge. Their employer — a glossy newcomer from the Babington House set — is always present, even when absent.
Voicenotes replace letters. Livestreams replace confessions. Screens watch back. Filtered through the language of social media and self-performance, Genet’s dark fantasy of class, power and desire unfolds at close quarters.
What is real?
What is performed?
And who controls the narrative?
Unsettling. Playful. Dangerously intimate.
Adult themes.
Times stated are start of performance. Please arrive early to be seated.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Introduction to Scottish Music for Musicians
2026-07-04 10:00 - 12:30 | The Key Centre, Feltham Lane, Frome, BA115AJ
Join for an exciting workshop for concert pitch instruments, covering traditional Scottish tunes including jigs, reels, strathspeys, marches, waltzes and airs. Tuition at a pace to include everyone. Sheet music will be provided. Led by workshop leaders on accordion, violin & piano. Under 16s to be accompanied by an adult.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Frome Publishing Fair
2026-07-04 10:00 - 15:30 | The Silk Mill, Merchants Barton, Frome, BA11 1PT, United Kingdom
Join Frome Writers’ Collective’s fabulous free fair: readers, writers, publishers, editors, artists, illustrators and visitors of all ages will be there, with more stalls to mark Frome Publishing Fair’s tenth anniversary, and a wonderful variety of publications on display and for sale. A must for all readers, writers and book lovers. Refreshments available.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Medieval Tile Making Workshop
2026-07-04 10:00 - 16:00 | Black Swan Arts, 2 Bridge Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2BN, United Kingdom
Spend the day learning how to make encaustic tiles using traditional techniques at this one-day workshop. You will carve, cast and decorate tiles ready to be fired in the kiln at the studio in the heart of Frome.
Tiles will be ready to collect approximately 6 weeks after the workshop. Workshop fees cover all materials and firing costs with a reduced rate is offered for the Frome Festival.
Please wear clothes that you are happy get messy in.
Suitable for any level of experience.

https://www.kiftceramics.com/coursesandclasses
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Ian Marlow Sculpture Exhibition
2026-07-04 10:00 - 17:00 | The Sculpture Garden, Ebenezer Chapel, Buckland Dinham, Somerset, BA11 2QT, United Kingdom
Set behind the houses and nestled beneath a canopy of trees, Ian’s Garden has become an enclosed space bathed in a dappled light, a haven from the chaos of the world. Amid the ferns and architectural planting, he displays his sculptures in bold stainless steel, vibrant glass and patinated bronze bringing renewed energy to this tranquil setting.
www.marlowsculpture.co.uk
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Frome Open Art Trail
2026-07-04 10:00 - 17:00
Emerging and established artists & makers open studios, homes or venues to show and sell their work. Support Frome’s creative community and discover paintings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, glass, jewellery and so much more.
Discover the full trail by picking up a free brochure at the Cheese & Grain, Black Swan Arts, Library, Town Hall, or at many local shops. Brochures can be downloaded through the Frome Open Art Trail and Frome Festival websites.
Home – Frome Open Art Trail
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Family Pond Dip
2026-07-04 11:00 - 12:00 | The Round House, Welshmill, Frome, Somerset, BA11 3HZ, United Kingdom
Engage with nature, search for bugs by the water, inspect them under the microscope and do some nature-inspired crafts. This Science Boost event is aimed at families and children must be accompanied by an adult for the whole event.
Booking required for children (accompanying adults do not require a ticket). Donations welcome.
Note: event takes place at the Round House, Welshmill, BA11 3HZ
This event is part of Frome Festival.

Frome Youth Choir – Elemental!
2026-07-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Christ Church, Christchurch Street West, Frome, BA11 1EH
Frome Youth Choir present a festival concert inspired by the elements! Enjoy songs that explore our world and universe in all its forms. Featuring a range of music, including new works, written for young people that challenge our view of the world and inspire. Take part in a raffle supporting Frome Youth Choir, Christ Church and Frome Festival.
This event is part of Frome Festival.

An Introduction to Bell-Ringing at St John’s
2026-07-04 11:00 - 12:30 | St John’s Church, Church St, Frome, BA11 1PL
Discover the ancient art of bell-ringing with this introduction and pre-booked visits to St John’s ringing chamber. Learn how the bells work, explore their history, hear stories from other belfries and try hand-chime ringing. Ages from 10+ (under 16’s with an adult). Access to ringing chamber is via narrow spiral stone steps.
This event is part of Frome Festival.
