Discover Frome

Illyria: as You Like It
2026-08-23 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | Merlin Theatre, Bath Road, Frome, BA11 2HG
In this play, Shakespeare explores Love in all its guises. Four pairs of soulmates meet in the mysterious Forest of Arden. One pair leaps straight into bed. Another pair is instantaneously dumbstruck by each other’s beauty and pledges their undying troth. The third pair torment each other: he showers chaste love upon her, which she haughtily rejects – yet secretly she enjoys the flattery. The fourth pair go further still, playfully blurring their roles and identities to such an extent that flirting becomes more pain than pleasure, and Love itself is pushed to the limit of its endurance – and beyond.
Throughout the summer, Shakespeare’s iconic comedy will be performed where its action is set – in the great outdoors, by a 5-strong cast of classically trained professional actors. Multi-award-winning Illyria has an unmatched reputation for excellence, forged over three decades, that dominates the outdoor touring theatre sector. Join them this summer for a memorable night of laughter and romance under the stars.
This performance will be outdoors at the E.C.O.S. Amphitheatre. Please bring blankets, cushions, and chairs. We welcome picnics, but please buy drinks from our bar. In the event of bad weather, this event will move inside.
Running time: 140 minutes plus interval
Recommended: All ages
Tickets: £18 | Child: £10 (Under 10) | Concessions: £14
Registered carers go free

5 Springs Pilgrimage
2026-08-23 10:00 - 15:00 | Bratton, United Kingdom
Nestled in the valley beneath Bratton Camp, once home to the Iron Age Dubonni tribe, a number of springs issue forth from the chalk and greensand. What significance might these springs have held to the Celtic tribes?
Drawing on archaeological research, this will be an exploration of the sacred landscape. We will walk in the footsteps of those Celtic ancestors, and echoing their veneration of Springs and Rivers – a recognition of the sacred power of water, we’ll perform a short blessing at each Spring.
What is the difference between a Walk and a Pilgrimage? Primarily, it is about intention: walking the old tracks becomes a spiritual act when walked with intention – by doing so we help to preserve and strengthen those ancient songlines…….the Earth re-awakens to our heartfelt care, and we are healed in return.
Whilst led by an experienced Druid Ceremonialist, this is an inclusive walk, welcoming of all faiths and none. If you wish to step aside and quietly observe the Blessings rather than take part, please feel free to do so…
We’ll also visit the infamous Bloodstone, where it’s reputed Kind Alfred’s army beheaded the Danes at the Battle of Ethandun. If time, there is the option to visit Edington Priory.

Tri.art Dance and Performing Arts Academy: West Side Story
2026-08-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Merlin Theatre, Bath Road, Frome, BA11 2HG
This August sees the return of Tri.Art’s Award-Winning Summer School, now in its 12th year. This year, students will be performing the classic musical, West Side Story. Join us as we celebrate the incredible talent of our Youth Theatre students!
Running Time: 120 minutes plus interval
Age Recommendation: 14+
Suitable: All ages
Tickets: Adults £16 Concessions £10

Portugal's Hidden Treasures
2026-08-21 18:45 - 21:00 | Givino, R18 Marshall Way, Frome, BA11 2FE, United Kingdom
Embark on a journey through the vineyards of Portugal at our Portuguese Wine & Port event! Experience the charm and elegance of Portugal’s diverse wine regions, with some amazing exclusive wines and ports.
Jamie will take you on a guided tasting tour, featuring a handpicked selection of Portuguese fine wines. Savour the rich reds, crisp whites, and ports that capture the essence of Portugal’s winemaking heritage. Learn about the history, terroir, and unique grape varieties that make each wine so special.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning to explore the world of Portuguese wines, this event is a perfect opportunity to discover new favorites, enjoy gourmet pairings, and connect with fellow wine lovers in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
A Portuguese themed cheese and charcuterie accompanies this event.

Open Mic Night
2026-08-21 18:30 - 22:00 | Cheese and Grain, Market Yard, Frome, BA11 1BE
Our ever popular Open Mic Night is back Friday 21st August
Our cosy little stage in the Grain Cafe Bar is open to you!
We’re running from 6.30pm, hosted by the ever-beardy, pop-covering, acoustic maestro that is Craig Webber.
If you are interested in a spot email craig@cheeseandgrain.com

Volunteering for wellbeing
2026-08-21 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-14 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-07 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-31 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-24 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-17 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-10 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-03 10:00 - 14:00 and 5 more dates | 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.

Kids Summer Drama Workshop: Diggers & Dreamers
2026-08-19 10:00 - 2026-08-21 15:00 | Rode Methodist VC First School, High Street, Rode, BA11 6NZ, United Kingdom
‘DIGGERS & DREAMERS’ Drama Workshop
Through games, creative play and imaginative storytelling we will create a fantastical performance together!
No experience needed.
The Story:
Every year in the ancient woodland creatures gather to celebrate the ‘Day of the Little People.’ It is a colourful day of carnival and magic when the world is turned upside down and it is believed, wishes are granted.
But this year, strange incidents in the wood have driven its residents underground.
A family living on the edge of the wood are returning to the city in three days when Alex hears a knocking at her window. Can Alex and her midnight visitor reverse the fortunes of the wood and its inhabitants, or will they run out of time?
Three Day Drama Workshop for Kids (Aged 6-10)
Show for parents on the last day!
19th – 21st August
10am – 3pm
Standard £100
Supporter £100 – £130
Sibling discount 10%
Contact kevin@dramakarma.co.uk

The Pod - Beach Party POP Disco
2026-08-11 18:00 - 20:30 | Frome Town Football Club, 48 Berkley Road, Frome, BA11 2EH
The Pod are running a beach party POP disco during the summer holidays at Frome Town Football Club. This is open to all and families welcome.

Beach themed dress is optional!
Pre-booking is essential
Children aged 8+ may attend if they are accompanied by an adult
£10 members, £12 non-members – parents/carers do NOT need a ticket
Finger buffet provided for ticket holders only (please specify any dietary requirements in the form below when booking)

The Pod will aim to have a representative present at each event but please note, these are not staffed events so those attending with additional needs will need to come with a parent/carer if needed.
To book this activity, please complete the form here.
Please contact admin@thepodcharity.org.uk with any queries.

Black Swan Arts Open 2026
2026-08-08 10:00 - 2026-09-29 16:00 | Black Swan Arts, 2 Bridge Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2BN, United Kingdom
The Black Swan Arts Open 2026 brings together artists and makers working across all disciplines and media, selected by a distinguished panel from across the contemporary arts, alongside a range of generous prizes and awards.
The Open is Black Swan Arts’ flagship exhibition, bringing together artists at different stages of their careers from the region and beyond. Founded in 1986, Black Swan Arts has played a central role in Frome’s cultural life for four decades, and this year’s Open marks the organisation’s 40th anniversary.
The 2026 Open has been selected by a carefully chosen panel of guest judges, independent of the organisation’s Board and Programming Group, bringing a thoughtful, open-minded and rigorous approach to the selection process.
Selected works will be exhibited in the Long Gallery at Black Swan Arts from Saturday 8th August to Sunday 27th September 2026.
2026 Selection Panel
Dea Vanagan – Senior Director, Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Gemma Brace – Head of Exhibitions, Arnolfini
Molly Martin – Artist and Writer
Martyn Cross – Artist
Hamish Young – Artist and President of the RWA
Prizes include:
£1,500 First Prize supported by Hauser & Wirth Somerset
£500 Lynda Pelly Prize for an Artist Under 30
Black Swan Arts Solo Exhibition
Rabley Gallery Print Prize
J.M. Smith Framing Prize
Kobi & Teal Exhibiting Prize
The selection panel has now chosen the exhibiting artists and all applicants have been notified. If you have any queries, please contact office@blackswanarts.org.uk

Nexus exhibition
2026-08-03 09:00 - 2026-09-13 17:00 | The Station Gallery, Station Approach, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1RE, United Kingdom
Nexus brings three artists together for a diverse exhibition of work, examining different styles that share commonalities through their collective interpretation of colour, composition, and form.
This exhibition combines different approaches to contemporary art under one roof. Influenced by our individual experiences and ways of portraying the world, Mark Elliott Smith, Bernard Charnley and Kate Cochrane, collaborate and provoke our perspectives and insights into specific genres.
Mark Elliott Smith’s work brings something new to abstraction. Inspired by dance and costume, mediaeval art, and his response to music, he builds images which are analogues of the process of construction and destruction, fragmentation and coherence. Painting in layers of flat acrylic colour, his work animates space while creating the illusion of depth, imparting an energising, positive sense of possibility through his playful use of colour and form.
Bernard Charnley combines layered oil paint with oil bars and inserted sections of canvas, creating work which moves between abstraction and figuration, examining the relationships between geometry, surface, depth, and illusion as imprints of the human. His interest in philosophy informs his portfolio of work, which reflects on the nature of social fracture.
Kate Cochrane works in a variety of media, including oils, acrylics, gouache, and dry pastels. Taking inspiration from landscape, trees, rocks, castle ruins and reflections in water, her process of creating paintings, along with wanting to express how she feels, results in a rich tapestry of colour and texture.
3 Aug – 13 Sept
Open: Sun – Tue / 9 – 5pm
Open: Wed – Sat / 9 – 9pm

Let's Talk about Alice exhibition
2026-06-30 - 2026-08-22 | Frome Museum, North Parade, Frome, BA11 1AT, United Kingdom
Alice Seeley, adopted daughter of Frome, helped bring down a King – with a camera.
In 1898, twenty-seven-year-old Alice Seeley Harris sailed for King Leopold II’s Congo Free State. Over the next seven years, her photographs of forced rubber labour, mutilated workers, and a father named Nsala mourning his murdered daughter on the veranda of her mission station, shocked the world. They became the visual evidence behind what historians now recognise as the first photographic human-rights campaign – predating the better-known American documentary work of Lewis Hine by several years.
Her images, projected in lantern-slide lectures across Britain and the United States, helped force Leopold to cede the Congo in 1908. Then, Alice was largely written out of her own story. Even Mark Twain, who shared her most famous photograph in his 1905 satirical pamphlet King Leopold’s Soliloquy, did not write her name.
This summer, Photo|Frome and Frome Museum bring Alice’s work home. We follow Alice’s journey from Merchants Barton to the Maringa River and back. We explore the role of missionaries, humanitarian photography and the recognition of women – and we ask what her photographs still demand of us in 2026. The exhibition is built with care for visitors of all ages: an outer ring of display panels tells Alice’s story, while an inner ring displays Alice’s photographic evidence of human rights abuse, for those who choose to see it.
Opening hours
The Exhibition runs from 30 June to 22 August at Frome Museum. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 3pm, plus Independent Market Sundays.
Entry is free.
Some of the photographs in the exhibition’s inner ring may be distressing.
