Discover Frome

Trio Paradis: From Dawn to Dusk
2026-10-01 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London) | Christ Church, Christchurch Street West, Frome, BA11 1EH
Trio Paradis (Jacquelyn Bevan – piano, Ruth O’Shea – violin & Linda Stocks – cello) play a Café Concert on the first Thursday of each month at 1.15pm at Christ Church: a themed 45-minute concert of mainly classical music, introduced by the performers. There is a pop-up café open from 12.45pm where you can meet friends and make new ones over tea/coffee and home-made cakes.
‘From Dawn to Dusk’ is a collection of music inspired by morning and evening moods, including ‘Circulo’ by Joaquín Turina, ‘Matin & Soir’ by Mel Bonis, Nocturnes by Mary Howe and Clara Schumann, and Ravel ‘L’Heure Espagnole’.
There’s no need to book, though an RSVP via our website www.trioparadis.com is appreciated. Turn up early to be sure of a table, as these concerts are popular… Trio Paradis Cafe Concerts are ‘pay-what-you-feel’ via a retiring collection, to keep live music affordable for everyone. You can find out more at www.trioparadis.com

One-day writing retreat at Vallis Farm with Claire Jefferies
2026-09-27 08:30 - 19:00 | Vallis Farm, Egford Hill, Frome, BA11 3JQ, United Kingdom
By the end of September, the back-to-work and school routines are running pretty smoothly, making it the perfect time to take a day to focus on something you enjoy…
Join this one-day writing retreat to give yourself a quiet, slow-paced day surrounded by nature; perfect for complete creative immersion. This is an opportunity for dedicated writing time, away from all your daily distractions and obligations. Whether you need complete quiet or the buzz of conversation, you should find a writing spot in the farmhouse or gardens to suit you. As the sun sets over the farm, everyone is welcome to wind down from their day of deep focus with a sauna and swim in the outdoor natural pool.
Who is this writing retreat for?
You are welcome if you enjoy writing in any form; if you want to dedicate time to the first chapter of your novel, draft a podcast script or TV episode, play with an idea for a children’s story, or get a poem out of your head and onto the page, this day can be for you.
What to expect on the day
• Welcome gathering to help you arrive in the space
• Guided writing warm-up
• Delicious breakfast and lunch, healthy and indulgent snacks, hot and cold drinks
• Opportunities to connect with fellow writers
• Informal salon: a chance to share practices, discuss writing conundrums, or get feedback
Breaks
You are welcome to take a walk around the farm or surrounding Vallis Vale. You can also use the yoga room, available for any kind of exercise! Feel free to bring books, knitting or whatever else you like to do to relax.
Who is hosting this retreat?
Claire Jefferies is a Frome-based writer. She writes stories about a delightful bear called Honey and (by great contrast!) on food politics and culture. She works part-time at Vallis Farm, so you’ll be welcomed by a host who knows the space well. Claire loves to cook and will be catering for you on the day.
How to book
Tickets are £179 and there are just 8 places on this retreat. Payment plans are available to support affordability.
To book your space, enquire about a payment plan or ask a question about the day, please send an email to Claire: missjefferies@gmail.com

Autumn Equinox Gathering with Amanda Randell Cox
2026-09-27 07:30 - 11:00 | Heal Somerset, Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 5HH, United Kingdom
The Autumn Equinox is that beautiful moment when day and night are held in perfect balance before the landscape begins its gentle transition into winter. Rather than celebrating abundance, it celebrates noticing, seed heads instead of flowers, texture instead of colour, habitats instead of displays.
To celebrate this Autumn Equinox we invite you to join Amanda Randell Cox, a local artist specialising in landscape-led botanical design, at Heal Somerset for a morning of exploration, creation and delicious food. We will start the day with tea, coffee, fruit and pastries followed by a guided walk around our beautiful rewilding site. We will then return to the community nature cabin for a creative botanical session inspired by everything we’ve just seen together during the morning walk.
Working together in small groups, guests will create a relaxed autumn table meadow using seasonal grasses and seed heads gathered in advance, before making their own delicate wire insect to take home.
Finally, we will enjoy a seasonal vegetarian brunch surrounded by the botanical table meadows created together, with time to reflect on the changing season and everything discovered during the morning.
Timings
7.30am Meet at the Community Nature Cabin for tea, coffee, fruit and pastries
7.45am Welcome and introduction to the Autumn Equinox, followed by a guided walk through Heal’s beautiful rewilding landscape
9.00am Return to the Community Nature Cabin for a creative botanical session
10.15am Seasonal vegetarian brunch
11.00am Event ends
About your guide, Amanda Randell Cox
Amanda Randell Cox is a botanical artist, creative project manager and RHS Chelsea Gold medallist whose work explores the relationship between people, plants and place.
After more than twenty years creating floral installations, teaching professional floristry and working closely with historic gardens and landscapes, her practice has evolved towards landscape-led botanical design, inspired by the textures, seed heads and quiet beauty of rewilding landscapes as the seasons change.
Amanda’s work is rooted in the belief that creativity begins with noticing, slowing down to observe the rhythms of the landscape, understanding how habitats support wildlife, and discovering beauty in the often-overlooked details of nature.
She is delighted to be sharing this special Autumn Equinox Gathering at Heal Somerset, inviting guests to slow down, observe and create together in celebration of the changing season, and an invitation to keep noticing long after the morning ends.

Kerry Ellis - Rock Anthems
2026-09-26 19:30 - 21:30 | Frome Memorial Theatre, Christchurch Street West, Frome, BA11 1EB
Sir Brian May described Kerry Ellis as having ‘the most beautiful voice in Britain.’ So he asked her to sing Queen’s greatest hits in the smash hit musical, We Will Rock You.
The duo met in 2002 and released three albums together, as well as touring the world. Rock anthems were the inspiration for award-winning singer Kerry Ellis, who is one of the greatest stars of musical theatre.
And in this new show, she will explore her love of Rock Anthems as she pays homage to Queen, Meatloaf, Bonnie Tyler and the other rock legends who inspired her. Ellis will sing a juke box full of classic rock anthems.
She Will, She Will, Rock You.

Frome Carnival
2026-09-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Frome Town Centre
Bringing Carnival back to the lovely streets of Frome, to celebrate our amazing community spirit with friends and family together again!Our evening carnival procession returns on Saturday 26th September 2026.
For the procession route, please check Frome Carnival’s website.

Magnum
2026-09-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, Frome, BA11 1BE
Magnum Announce “The Next Chapter” — Honouring the Legacy of Tony Clarkin and Celebrating Over 50 Years of Music
British rock legends Magnum are entering an exciting new era as they continue to honour the extraordinary legacy of their late founder, guitarist, and songwriter Tony Clarkin, who sadly passed away last year.
With a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, Magnum have long been celebrated for their melodic power, rich storytelling, and unwavering dedication to their craft. Following Tony’s untimely passing, the band paid tribute to his life and work with a series of special performances titled “The Passage in Time” — a two-hour celebration of some of Tony’s most iconic compositions.
The shows, performed by Bob Catley, Rick Benton, Lee Morris, Dennis Ward, and Brendon Riley (who stepped into Tony’s role on stage with immense pride and respect), were met with overwhelming love and gratitude from fans and the wider rock community. The energy, emotion, and shared sense of remembrance reaffirmed the band’s belief that Tony’s music — and the spirit of Magnum — must continue.
In the wake of these heartfelt tributes, Dionne Clarkin, Tony’s daughter, began exploring over three decades of Magnum’s archives. Her journey uncovered a treasure trove of material — from early drafts and lyric notes that reveal the evolution of some of Magnum’s most beloved songs, to four fully completed, never-before-heard tracks that capture Tony’s creative brilliance in his final years.
This discovery marks the beginning of a new chapter for Magnum — one that celebrates the band’s past while looking boldly to the future.
“The support from fans has been truly overwhelming,” said the band. “Tony’s music has always been at the heart of Magnum, and with Dionne’s dedication and the incredible response from the shows, we know the story isn’t over. This is the next chapter — for Tony, for Magnum, and for everyone who has been part of this journey.”
Magnum are now preparing to share this next chapter with their loyal fans around the world — continuing the band’s legacy of timeless rock and heartfelt storytelling.
Grand Slam
Back in the post Thin Lizzy days, Laurence Archer wrote and performed with Phil Lynott. Sadly, Grand Slam was cut short in its prime, with Phil Lynott’s untimely death leaving a hole in the fabric of rock music to this day.
Laurence went on to make his name playing with UFO but always nurtured a long-term plan to rebuild the Grand Slam machine. And here it is – primed and ready.
The new band (Laurence alongside Mike Dyer, Benjy Reid and Rocky Newton) honours the traditions of the band’s history whilst also looking to the future – classic tracks co-written by Lynott and Archer sit alongside a set of brand new songs that embody the same ethos of freedom, positivity and adrenaline that ran through Grand Slam in 1984.

Garden Design 101 - Plan your space
2026-09-26 09:00 - 13:00 | Vallis Farm, Egford Hill, Frome, BA11 3JQ, United Kingdom
Join Tamsin, head of Land and Learning at Vallis Farm, for an exclusive half-day workshop.
Explore the fundamentals of design…
– How to map out your space correctly
– Clever plant-selection strategies
– money-saving tips and much more
Discover more about sustainability and permaculture and how to incorporate it into your design without compromising on aesthetics.
Gardens can be beautiful spaces for both us and for wildlife. They don’t need to cost the earth!
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals whilst expanding your skills and confidence to design your own space.
£60 – includes refreshments on arrival, course notes and a tour of the farm.

Sustainable Fashion Week 2026
2026-09-26 - 2026-10-04
Save the date for Sustainable Fashion Week 2026!

Michael Spicer: Hope All's Well
2026-09-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Merlin Theatre, Bath Road, Frome, BA11 2HG
Michael Spicer, the online sensation who brought you the award-winning viral hit The Room Next Door, brings another hilarious and brilliantly entertaining satirical stage show packed with sketches, short films and stories about why we’re witnessing such a gigantic political and global shitshow, featuring characters from his BBC Radio 4 show ‘No Room’ as well as some old friends too.

The Amazons
2026-09-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, Frome, BA11 1BE
The Amazons are one of the UK’s fiercest live bands, known for their explosive energy, anthemic choruses, and raw indie-rock spirit. Hailing from Reading, the four-piece burst onto the scene with their 2017 self-titled debut, earning a top 10 UK album and widespread acclaim.
Since then, they’ve toured relentlessly, shared stages with rock heavyweights, and continued to evolve their sound across four acclaimed albums, and they have unfinished business with their most recent release “21st Century Fiction”, so are taking it back out on the road leaving no stone unturned. Expect thunderous riffs, crowd-surfing moments, and a band at the top of their game.

The Autumn Equinox Retreat Day
2026-09-25 10:00 - 15:00 | Vallis Farm, Egford Hill, Frome, BA11 3JQ, United Kingdom
Feeling off balance? or Maybe starting to dread the thought of another winter? Join this day to support our entry into the autumn and winter months.
A day of balance, to experience the healing and restorative powers of both cold water and sauna heat. A gentle day of connection, with yourself, the natural world and other people, in the most beautiful and tranquil of settings.
A day of retreat, from the everyday world, yet that allows us to re-enter the world renewed and quietly fortified.
Full of warmth, connection and gentle reflection and you will leave with some strategies to support you through the autumn and winter months.
Lunch, hot drinks & cake included as well as a guided wild swim and sauna session.

Volunteering for wellbeing
2026-09-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Vallis Veg, Egford, Frome, BA11 3NF, United Kingdom
Join our Friday volunteering sessions at Vallis Veg market garden, where you’ll learn about organic food growing, breathe fresh air and enjoy lunch made from freshly harvested ingredients.
No previous experience is necessary, just turn up on the day.

Twilight Beaver Watch
2026-09-24 20:00 - 22:00 | Heal Somerset, Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 5HH, United Kingdom
This is a rare opportunity to join a small group for a twilight beaver watch and experience the magic of seeing these remarkable animals living wild. You’ll enjoy a peaceful and immersive evening watching wildlife emerge as day turns to night.
Our thriving beaver family has really made themselves at home on site at Heal Somerset, establishing an impressive lodge and building a network of dams. They have been busy transforming the landscape in extraordinary ways and they are creating thriving wetlands that support a wealth of wildlife, improve water quality and increase biodiversity.
Full disclosure: beavers are often seen from the viewing area, so there’s a good chance that you’ll see at least one, but we can’t guarantee it. But even if you don’t, you will learn lots about them as well as witness their hard work whilst spending valuable time in nature.
Each beaver watch will be carefully led by experienced wildlife guide Nick Patel. His respectful approach will minimise disturbance as the beavers’ wellbeing is always the priority. We ask that all attendees follow this approach.
About your workshop leader, Nick Patel:
Nick is a tour guide, conservationist, naturalist and birder and is passionate about helping to protect, create and maintain British wildlife. A lifelong Birdwatcher, and former Nature reserve Warden, Nick has devoted his life to shouting about how amazing our native biodiversity is and just why we should care for it.
Nick says “Having led tours here at Heal Somerset for two years now, I’ve witnessed first-hand the speed at which nature has already made a comeback. I’m super passionate about showing everyone who visits the site the wealth of wildlife bouncing back, including some really beautiful species and fabulous rewilding habitats.”

True Foxes – Live at the Tree House
2026-09-24 19:00 - 21:00 | The Tree House, 35 Berkley Road, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2EH, United Kingdom
Having performed over 800 shows since forming in 2019, True Foxes are an acclaimed alt-country/Americana cousin duo from Cornwall, rapidly gaining recognition across the UK and internationally.
Led by Amie’s powerful vocals and soulful songwriting, often compared to Laura Marling and Brandi Carlile, the duo blend acoustic guitar with Chloe’s ethereal harmonies and melodic bass lines. Their honest storytelling, natural chemistry, and warm sisterly banter take audiences on an emotional journey.
Their debut album, Howl (2024), received widespread acclaim and extensive radio support, being named Americana Album of the Month by The Country Mile Radio and UK Country Radio, alongside significant airplay across the UK and internationally. The album earned glowing reviews from AmericanaUK, Rocking Magpie, and Fatea Magazine, and saw the duo recognised as BBC Artist of the Week across eight territories.
True Foxes entered 2025 with a sold-out headline tour, followed by a summer of main-stage festival performances including Between the Trees, Paradhis, Tunes in the Park, OceanFest, and Sidmouth Folk Festival. In the autumn, they collaborated with folk legend Steve Knightley, recording vocals for the Winter Yards album and performing live with the Winter Yards Band across 24 cities.
Returning to their roots in early 2026, the duo will be performing across 21 Cornish venues, including a church tour alongside singer Will Keating, performing songs such as Cornwall my Home, as showcased on BBC Spotlight (2025). They will then be hitting the road again in April for their album launch tour following the release of their highly anticipated second album, Just a Woman, coming out in March 2026.
Upcoming festival performances include Ely Folk Festival, Fisherman’s Friends Festival, Beardy Folk, The Magpies Festival, and The Brasenose Fringe, with many more dates to be announced.
Please note this is an 18+ all standing event, and the venue is accessed by stairs with no lift. If you have any enquiries please email thetreehouse@cheeseandgrain.com

NT Live: the Misanthrope
2026-09-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Merlin Theatre, Bath Road, Frome, BA11 2HG
*Screened Performance*
Award-winner Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) plays the title role in this razor-sharp reimagining of Molière’s classic dark comedy.
Telling the truth isn’t always that simple. Alice, a brilliant novelist, despises the carefully constructed lies of modern society. But the more she challenges those around her, the fiercer the backlash becomes. Soon, she must confront the price of speaking her truth in a world that would rather silence her.
Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham directs Martin Crimp’s (Cyrano de Bergerac) highly anticipated play.
Tickets: Adults £18 Friends £15

A Vision of Human Existence
2026-09-21 19:00 - 21:30 | St Mary’s Church Hall, Innox Hill, Frome, BA11 2LN
Navigating the jungle of ancient India or todays concrete one, the teachings of the Buddha are just as relevant.
The Buddha’s vision of human beings at their highest and his teachings that enable us to transform our short comings into our fullest potential were never in greater need.
Transforming greed, hatred and delusion into generosity, love and clarity. Ehipassiko – ‘Come see for yourself’ was the Buddha’s invitation, to test in your own experience his teachings. The spirit of this is still alive today, come see for yourself a vision of human existence, Free ‘Taster Evening’ September 21, course starts September 28.

David Thomas Broughton – Live at the Tree House
2026-09-20 19:00 - 21:00 | The Tree House, 35 Berkley Road, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2EH, United Kingdom
Night River Presents: David Thomas Broughton + Sylvie Grey
David Thomas Broughton returns with a rare trio performance.
One of the most distinctive and unpredictable figures in British folk and experimental music, Broughton’s songs move between intimacy, humour, improvisation and abstraction. No two performances are quite the same.
Fresh from an appearance at End of the Road Festival, Broughton continues to build his cult reputation through performances that blur the boundaries between song, spontaneity and performance art.
Opening the evening is Sylvie Grey, a songwriter with a gift for stopping a room in its tracks.
Please note this is an 18+ all standing event, and the venue is accessed by stairs with no lift. If you have any enquiries please email thetreehouse@cheeseandgrain.com

Harriet Rix talks to Julian Hight | The Genius of Trees
2026-09-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Rise Frome, Whittox Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 3BY, United Kingdom
Our hope is that Consider the Wondrous can help us to rethink our place on the planet, as one remarkable species among so many others. So, it’s fitting that our final event this year should show something as commonplace as trees in a radically different light.
It’s easy to think of trees as noble, beautiful but ultimately passive presences in the landscape. Harriet Rix’s extraordinary book The Genius of Trees tells a different story. Trees have agency, modifying and working with the animals, plants and fungi around them: they manipulate the clouds to produce the climate they like, they shiver rock into fertile soil, they change the very atmosphere.
Harriet Rix has led an extraordinary life – with an education spanning a Biochemistry degree earned at Oxford, to an MPhil in the History and Philosophy of Science, specialising in Ottoman Science, from Cambridge. Her studies led to travel, and work in IED and landmine clearance in the Middle East. The terrible effects of environmental degradation that she witnessed in Iraq prompted her to join the tree sector, and in 2018 she returned to the UK to try to learn about the world of trees in this context.
“This is a story of how tree-ish trees are, and how… they have woven the world into a place of great beauty and extraordinary variety” Harriet Rix
Julian Hight is a tree-obsessive, punk rocker and graphic designer. His new book The Ancient Tree Explorer is a fascinating and sumptuous guide to the most magnificent trees in Britain. On Saturday 19 September at 10am, you can join Julian as he leads us on a tree adventure around Frome.
This event takes place in our venue for the weekend, RISE. So come along early for a late afternoon coffee and cake at the wonderful onsite Rye Bakery and enjoy this final event of our fabulous festival.
This event is part of the Consider the Wondrous | nature, wonder, books & us festival.

CSF Pro Wrestling – Showdown
2026-09-20 16:30 - 18:30 | Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, Frome, BA11 1BE
Following yet another sell-out in March, the larger than life Superstars of CSF Professional Wrestling return to the Cheese and Grain on Sunday 20th September for another LIVE edition of SHOWDOWN!
Get ready to Rumble as The High Flying, Hard Hitting, Body Slamming Action will be headlined by a Tables Match as ‘Bruiser’ Samuel Jacobs challenges the man mountain known as BULLIT.
Other top names appearing include All Nations Champion: Eddie Ryan, ‘Unique’ Jake McCluskey, Joel Redman, Lion Kid and ‘Heart and Soul’ JJ Gale .
The event is suitable for fans of all ages. Tickets are priced at £14 General Admission, unreserved seating. Ringside Seating and General Admission available from www.csfwrestling.co.uk

Joseph Jebelli talks to Anita Roy | The Brain at Rest
2026-09-20 16:30 - 17:30 | Rise Frome, Whittox Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 3BY, United Kingdom
We’re constantly badgered to do more, to aim higher, to make the most of our time. Our phones and social media, which pose as a break from work, only keep our minds over-stimulated and anxious.
In The Brain at Rest, Joseph Jebelli explains why stress is so damaging and introduces us to the brain’s ‘default network’ – the circuitry that helps us daydream, reflect and imagine. He shares tips on reorganising your life to prioritise sleep, finding silence, walking and spending time in nature. Rest is not a lazy alternative to work, but an essential part of it.
“Activating the default network can enhance your intelligence, creativity, social empathy and long-term productivity. It can improve your health and help stave off neurological disease.” Joseph Jebelli
Joseph will be in conversation with Anita Roy – a writer, editor, environmentalist and regular contributor to The Guardian Country Diary.
The event takes place in our venue for the weekend, RISE. So come along early for an afternoon coffee and cake onsite at the wonderful Rye Bakery and enjoy the last few events of our fabulous festival.
This event is part of the Consider the Wondrous | nature, wonder, books & us festival.

Chameleon
2026-09-20 15:00 - 16:00 | Rook Lane Chapel, Rook Lane, Bath Street, Frome, BA11 1DN
Live classical music presented by Frome Concerts Group as part of an Autumn Sunday series. Everyone welcome to buy single concert tickets (£20) or a subscription to all four concerts at a discount price. (£60 )
This first concert in the series is a multi instrumental wind quartet featuring an impressive array of up to thirteen woodwind instruments. Chameleon will play a very engaging programme including music by Dvorak and Amy Beach.
See fromeconcertsgroup.org for tickets and details

Charles Foster and Mark Cocker | Seeing the World Afresh
2026-09-20 14:30 - 16:00 | Rise Frome, Whittox Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 3BY, United Kingdom
We’re privileged to host this conversation between two of the most generous-minded thinkers concerned with the natural world.
Mark Cocker is one of our leading naturalists. He leads courses in nature watching and writing (and will also be leading a guided nature walk earlier in the day here at Consider the Wondrous). His new book The Nature of Seeing encourages us to reclaim our inner gift for wonder and to see the living world in all its infinite detail and mystery.
Charles Foster is a qualified vet, barrister and Fellow of Exeter College, Oxford. In The Edges of the World, he shows how in both nature and our culture, creativity, change and freshness come from the edges of things, not the complacent, self-regarding centre. It’s the perfect book for a creative and ‘different’ town like Frome!
To give the authors time to fully explore their ideas, this event will be 90 minutes long.
The event takes place in our venue for the weekend, RISE. So come along for lunch onsite at the wonderful Rye Bakery and make the most of day two of our festival.
This event is part of the Consider the Wondrous | nature, wonder, books & us festival.

A Library of Wonder | Michael Malay, Anita Roy, Julian Hight and guests
2026-09-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Rise Frome, Whittox Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 3BY, United Kingdom
Nature-writing has boomed in the last twenty years. Books by two of our festival authors, Cal Flyn and Mark Cocker, recently appeared on The Sunday Times list of the most important non-fiction titles this century.
The best books continue to inspire new generations with hope and with the love that great naturalists, storytellers and artists show for the living world. So, here at Consider the Wondrous. we want to build a Library of Wonder, a booklist of the very best nature-related writing to guide new readers and embolden us all to know that there are truer, more positive and more fascinating things in the world than the stories the media tell.
Our expert panel will make their personal recommendations based around the following questions:

Which nature-related books mean most to you?
Which have opened your eyes and your minds?
Which must you re-read and buy as gifts for your friends?

But our library won’t be complete without your suggestions! Come along clutching your precious must-reads and tell us about your favourites (we love a bit of show and tell!). Let’s share our knowledge and wonder, and build our dream library together.
The event takes place in our venue for the weekend, RISE. So come along for brunch (or an early lunch) onsite at the wonderful Rye Bakery and make the most of day two of our festival.
This event is part of the Consider the Wondrous | nature, wonder, books & us festival.

Cal Flyn talks to Charles Foster | The Savage Landscape
2026-09-20 11:30 - 12:30 | Rise Frome, Whittox Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 3BY, United Kingdom
In The Savage Landscape Cal Flyn goes in search of wildness “because I wanted to live my life more intensely… tap into a rawer, more authentic, more capable, part of myself.”
She meets gorillas in Uganda, blue sheep in Nepal, and writes luminously in terror and fascination of the new world created in front of her eyes by a volcanic eruption in Iceland. But she travels into thought and ideas as well as landscapes, exploring the historical and political context of what she sees. Everywhere, she encounters the contradictions of wildness on a crowded planet – the clutter of research bases in the pure whiteness of Antarctica, a ‘Welcome’ sign in an officially designated ‘wilderness’, the shocking but commonplace eviction of people from their ancestral lands in the name of nature conservation. Nonetheless, again and again there is astonishment. “Within each landscape one might hit a bedrock of pure feeling… this is freedom. This is awe. This is horrified delight.”
Savage Landscape is Cal Flyn’s triumphant follow-up to her wildly bestselling book Islands of Abandonment, which marked her out as one of the brightest talents in writing about place and people. She will be in conversation with Charles Foster.
This event is kindly sponsored by Sherlock & Pages.
The event takes place in our venue for the weekend, RISE. So come along early, enjoy coffee (or brunch) onsite at the wonderful Rye Bakery and launch into the second full day of our festival.
This event is part of the Consider the Wondrous | nature, wonder, books & us festival.

Slow Sunday at 42 Acres
2026-09-20 11:00 - 16:00 | 42 Acres, Witham Friary, Frome, BA11 5HL
Spend a slow Sunday afternoon at 42 Acres and reconnect with nature, with each other, and with the elements.
Come as you are and spend a relaxed Sunday of outdoor vibes. Gather in our forest glade for our signature vegetarian wild dining experience. Your meal will be cooked over an open fire with nourishing ingredients organically-grown and wild-foraged on this land.
Go for a wild swim in the beaver-filled lake, and relax in the wood-fired sauna. Or simply take time and space to rest and restore on land that has been allowed to do the same.
You’re welcome to do as much or as little as you like:
– Roam the 173 acres of our land – home to millions of lives.
– Wild swim in our 7-acre lake or take out our rowboat, SUP board, or canoe. (Please note these activities are at your own risk – there is no lifeguard).
– Look out for beaver, otter, wild boar, hare, deer and a multitude of birds.
– Explore our rewilded spaces; woodland mushroom farm; permaculture garden; edible ornamental walled garden; species re-introduction projects; and secret treehouse. Or just chill and chat.
– Add on a holistic treatment (advance bookings only)
Slow Sundays run from 11am-4pm on the following dates:
– Sun 5 Apr 2026 (Easter Sunday)
– Sun 3 May
– Sun 28 Jun
– Sun 19 Jul
– Sun 30 Aug (Bank holiday weekend)
– Sun 20 Sep
Feedback from Past Slow Sundays:
‘I took some proper time out today. Slow Sundays at 42 Acres Retreat are all about connection – with yourself, with others, and with nature.
Wild swimming, a wood-fired sauna, woodland walks, and incredible food grown on the land itself – all shared around a long table in the woods, with birdsong overhead and an eclectic mix of people from all walks of life. It’s a really well-thought-out setup. Simple, but intentional. The team were welcoming, knowledgeable (beavers, storks, permaculture, mushroom farms, soil-to-gut) and clearly passionate about what they’re building. This was their first Slow Sunday- here’s to many more!’
Lynda, Slow Sunday Guest, June 2025.
‘A group of 6 of us attended 42Acres Slow Sunday and we all throughly enjoyed ourselves. The land is beautiful, with lots of lovely quiet trails to walk and soak it all up. We even spotted storks, buzzards and believe we may have accidentally bumped into a wild boar too. The setting for lunch is fabulous. Really cosy atmosphere and delicious food. Some of us even jumped in the lake for a quick swim which was really refreshing.’
Lucy, Slow Sunday Guest, August 2025
‘Beautiful experience of reconnection to people, place and soul.’
Sara, Slow Sunday Guest, August 2025.
Please Note:
– Must be booked in advance. Please do not come without a ticket because we will not be able to accommodate you.
– Adults only.
– Alcohol-free.
– Please bring swimwear and towels to go in the lake and/or sauna.
– Please dress for the weather. This experience will go ahead in most weather conditions. If extreme weather prevents us from going ahead, we will provide an alternative indoor experience on the same date.
– Spaces are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment.
– As much as we love our four-legged friends, we can not allow dogs on this experience.
-Subject to availability.
If you have any questions, please feel free to give our friendly team a call on 01373 887642 before booking.
Terms & Conditions:
Terms & Conditions – Workshops & Experiences

Guided Nature Walk led by Mark Cocker
2026-09-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, Frome, BA11 1BE
Mark is one of the UK’s leading naturalists, author of many award-winning books. His newest title The Nature of Seeing is all about the way we look at our surroundings, so this is a wonderful opportunity to accompany him as he explores Rodden Meadow by the river near the centre of town.
This will be an easy walk lasting about 90 minutes. It will start at the Cheese & Grain BA11 1BE. Children are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. Places are limited so please book early.
If walks are your thing why not book one (or both) of our other two walks:
Heritage Tree Walk led by Julian Hight (Saturday 19th @ 10am)
Pavement Plant Prowl led by Amanda Tuke (Saturday 19th @ 2.30pm)
This event is part of the Consider the Wondrous | nature, wonder, books & us festival.

Dara McAnulty talks to Michael Malay | Wild Child (Family Event)
2026-09-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Rise Frome, Whittox Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 3BY, United Kingdom
A family event, great for budding young nature enthusiasts aged 7+.
“Do you yearn to climb oak trees, to get a bird’s eye view of the world, to feel the wind of leaves? Can I show you the magic of nature? Let me take you on a journey. A wild wandering. A fascinating world awaits.”
Dara McAnulty
Dara is passionate about inspiring children with the excitement that he feels for the natural world. His series of Wild Child books combine amazing facts with a sense of the poetry of the wild, beautifully illustrated by Barry Falls. He never talks down to children but feeds their natural curiosity with wonders like bioluminescence and bird migration, and gives practical advice on making moth traps, terraria and bird feeders.
Did you know that baby swifts do press-ups? That a fox can hear a beetle move thirty metres away? There’s so much to discover all around us!
The event will be chaired by Michael Malay, author of the Wainwright Prize-winning book Late Light.
The event takes place in our venue for the weekend, RISE. So come on along early, enjoy coffee or even breakfast onsite at the wonderful Rye Bakery and launch into the second full day of our festival.
Please note: there is no parking at the venue itself, but there is plenty of long-stay public parking within close walking distance to the venue at Cattle Market Car Park or Merchants Barton Car Park. We are pleased to say the venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Children under 13 years must be accompanied by a paying adult.
This event is part of the Consider the Wondrous | nature, wonder, books & us festival.

David Oakes, Iain Ballamy & Elliot Galvin | We Are Nature
2026-09-19 19:45 - 21:45 | Rise Frome, Whittox Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 3BY, United Kingdom
A gala evening of words and music inspired by the natural world.
End the day with flowing jazz, beauty, poignancy and rapture. From earliest times, human art and music has celebrated and sought to understand the mysterious world around us. We’re thrilled to have such a stellar line-up for this gala where human creativity reflects back the creativity of nature.
Iain Ballamy is an internationally feted composer and saxophonist. His latest album Riversphere blurs genre divisions and boundaries between composition and improv. Recently he’s been working with the multi-instrumentalist Elliot Galvin on a new project, Instant Nature.
David Oakes is a leading English actor of the stage and screen. But he’s also an increasingly prominent ecologist and conservationist, having obtained a Masters in Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology from the University of Exeter, and is the president of The Wildlife Trusts. He is the host and producer of the natural history podcast Tree’s a Crowd.
This special evening will be hosted by actor, bookseller and festival co-director Tina Gaisford-Waller.
£3 of every ticket sale for this event will be donated to Friends of the River Frome.
This very special event is kindly sponsored by Brook Street Pottery
www.brookstreetpottery.co.uk
The event takes place in our beautiful venue for the weekend, RISE.
Please note: there is no parking at the venue itself, but there is plenty of long-stay public parking within close walking distance to the venue at Cattle Market Car Park or Merchants Barton Car Park. We are pleased to say the venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
This event is part of the Consider the Wondrous | nature, wonder, books & us festival.

New Old Friends: Pick & Mix
2026-09-19 19:30 - 21:30 | Merlin Theatre, Bath Road, Frome, BA11 2HG
A highlight of each season, Pick & Mix returns with Fearg and a new line up for another brilliant evening of music, comedy and more.
On the bill this time are:
Oliver Young – an up & coming stand-up who was just named as runner up in the Bath New Act final, which was the launching point for Rob Beckett’s comedy career. Come see Olly before he’s stratospheric.
Lilac Looney Cirque Show – two brilliant cirque performers fresh from a massive tour, will make you gasp in wonder and laugh with abandon with their acrobatics, hula, juggling and clowning.
Leigh Coleman – an incredible guitarist and singer who mixes soul, pop, funk and all genres in between with total joy. Leigh is hugely in demand as a session musician and event entertainment, so this is a rare opportunity to see a master playing a set list of his own choosing in the intimate environment of the Merlin.
Plus, we might have some special, local, guests announced closer to the time.
Grab a ticket and join the community.
New Old Friends is a Merlin Associate Company
Tickets: £16
Running Time: 120 mins plus interval
Age Guidance: 12+

Metallica Reloaded
2026-09-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, Frome, BA11 1BE
“You guys (Metallica Reloaded) are the ultimate sign of musical respect” James Hetfield (Frontman/Co-Founder of Metallica)
METALLICA RELOADED originating from Bristol UK in 2010 are made up of 4 musicians (Wayne, John, Jay and Daz). They always strive to give the audience what they want in every performance delivering the ultimate Metallica sound and high octane show leaving fans wanting more every time. They recreate the same set and show that Metallica currently tour.
With over 50 years gigging experience amongst them, Metallica Reloaded are very skilled musicians that take their approach and sound very seriously, using exactly the same guitars and musical equipment as Metallica themselves.
Metallica Reloaded have become a firm regular in the UK’s best music venues along with festival appearances at the famous tribute festival Glastonbuget 2014, 2017, 2018. With ESP Guitars and EMG Pickups backing, Daz Towner who plays Kirk Hammett and Wayne Wilmut who plays James Hetfield are providing superb accurate riffing that if you closed your eyes you would like think its James and Kirk themselves. Metallica Reloaded are looking to light up audiences again in 2026
