Frome Festival (music) – Frome, England 2026
Overview
The Frome Festival, a beloved community arts extravaganza in Frome, Somerset, England, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026 with a vibrant ten-day program blending music, performance, visual arts, and workshops across the town’s eclectic venues. Established in 2000 by former mayor Martin Bax, who received an MBE for his efforts, the festival has evolved into a cornerstone of local culture, attracting over 30,000 attendees annually through more than 250 events in over 50 locations—from grand concert halls like the Cheese and Grain to intimate pubs, historic churches, and lush parks. As a registered charity (Number 1120329) and company (04413366) limited by guarantee in England and Wales, it champions Frome’s creative spirit by spotlighting local artists, engaging over 100 volunteers, and partnering with more than 60 community businesses.
While the full 2026 lineup remains under wraps, past editions have pulsed with musical energy, featuring headline acts like The Levellers, Imelda May, and The Mahotella Queens alongside emerging folk, indie, and world music talents. Expect a rich tapestry of concerts, ceilidhs, street performances, and music workshops that cater to all ages, with a strong emphasis on accessibility—82 events in 2024 were free or under £5. Youth involvement is central, with school outreach via the Frome Learning Partnership ensuring every child receives a brochure copy. Positive feedback from 2024 surveys (85.3% felt it captured Frome’s essence, 90.2% loved the variety, and 93.4% praised pricing) underscores its role as a joyful, inclusive gathering. For updates on music programming and the anniversary festivities, visit the official site at https://fromefestival.co.uk.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances: Live music concerts spanning folk, rock, indie, and world genres, with past highlights including high-energy sets by The Imagined Village and Adrian Edmondson’s The Bad Shepherds; expect evening gigs at venues like the 800-capacity Cheese and Grain and pop-up sessions in pubs and parks.
- Special Traditions or Features: The annual treasure hunt, a family-favorite scavenger adventure weaving through Frome’s historic streets; the Crysse Morrison Prize for Poetry, honoring festival supporter Crysse Morrison with readings that often inspire musical collaborations; and monthly fundraising quizzes at the Cheese and Grain Bar to support the charity’s mission.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors: Interactive music and dance workshops for beginners to pros, craft stalls with artisan instruments and textiles tied to Frome’s historic textile industry theme; free fringe events like street busking and Morris dancing; and a 25th anniversary showcase featuring archival exhibits of past musical milestones from 2000 onward.
- Dedicated Anniversary Section: Marking 25 years, the festival will host retrospective concerts revisiting iconic performances, community memory-sharing booths for attendee stories and photos, and special commissions for local musicians to create anniversary-themed pieces, blending nostalgia with forward-looking innovation in Frome’s arts scene.
Why Attend
The Frome Festival captivates with its unpretentious charm, transforming the quaint market town of Frome into a buzzing hive of creativity where music lovers can discover hidden gems alongside established stars, all within a welcoming, volunteer-driven atmosphere. In 2026, the 25th anniversary promises elevated musical offerings—think intimate folk sessions in medieval churches juxtaposed with raucous indie nights in converted warehouses—set against Somerset’s rolling hills, making it an idyllic escape for those seeking authentic cultural immersion over commercial spectacle. Affordable access ensures everyone, from families to solo adventurers, can partake, fostering connections that extend beyond the event through year-round community ties.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Why Choose Euro Travelo:
- Secure and easy ticket booking for concerts, festivals, theaters, and business events.
- Complete travel planning including flights, trains, and local transportation.
- Accommodation arrangements near event venues, tailored to your needs.
- Convenient local transfers, from airport pickups to private shuttles.
- On-site concierge support to help you navigate venues and schedules.
- Custom itineraries and experience packages combining multiple events, tours, and activities.
- Secure payment process, making it safe and convenient to book all services online.
- Flexibility: even if you need only one service, we can assist individually.
Attending isn’t just about the tunes; it’s about contributing to a legacy of grassroots innovation that has drawn 16,000+ visitors yearly while nurturing local talent and traditions. With 90%+ satisfaction rates on event variety and pricing, plus youth-focused initiatives like school distributions and all-ages workshops, it builds intergenerational bonds and celebrates Frome’s textile heritage through creative soundscapes. Whether you’re swaying to ceilidhs, jamming in workshops, or picnicking to park gigs, the festival delivers profound joy, leaving you inspired to return—and perhaps even volunteer—for future editions.
Date & Duration
- Dates: July 3 – July 12, 2026
- Duration: 10 days
- Additional Events: Pre-festival fundraising quizzes (e.g., October 22 and November 12, 2025); potential anniversary extensions like pop-up music nights in spring 2026
Venue / Location
- City: Frome, Somerset, England
- Main Venue: Cheese and Grain (converted farm warehouse turned concert hall, capacity 800, hosting major music events)
- Additional Venues: Memorial Theatre (1924-built historic hall for theater-infused concerts); Merlin Theatre at Frome Community College (240 seats for intimate gigs); The Westway Cinema for film-music crossovers; over 50 sites including St. John’s Church, local pubs like The Griffin, and parks for outdoor performances
- Notable Areas: Town center hubs like 25 Market Place for fringe music; historic streets for parades and busking; textile-themed exhibits linking music to Frome’s industrial past
- Google Maps Address: 25 Market Place, Frome, BA11 1AH, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Through individual event organizers and third-party platforms (e.g., See Tickets, Eventbrite); festival office does not sell directly—check listings on https://fromefestival.co.uk for links; priority booking for Friends of Frome Festival members starting early 2026
- Admission Type: Mixed—many free or low-cost (82 events in 2024 at £0–£5); paid for headline concerts and workshops
- Ticket Pricing in USD Only: Converted from GBP: Free–$6 USD for fringe/accessibility events; $12–$30 USD for standard concerts/workshops; $40–$60 USD for premium headline shows (subject to exchange rates and 2026 updates)
- Any Special Seating or VIP Options: Limited reserved seating at indoor venues like Cheese and Grain; Friends membership ($25–$50 USD annual) offers priority access and discounts; no formal VIP, but group packages for families/schools available via partners
- Minimum and Maximum Tickets Pricing: Minimum $0 USD (free events); maximum $60 USD (top-tier concert tickets)
Booking with Euro Travelo
Planning to enjoy this music festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can help you book tickets, organize travel, and handle your entire trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a vibrant music festival, live concert, or cultural celebration, our team ensures a smooth experience for music lovers across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to secure your festival tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: office@fromefestival.co.uk (general/admin inquiries, quiz bookings); event-specific via listings on website
- Phone: +44 1373 453889 (admin only, no box office); +44 1373 455420 (alternative support line)
- Website: https://fromefestival.co.uk
- Social Media: @FromeFestival (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) for updates, event shares, and community engagement
- Key Staff: Festival Director via office email; Volunteer Coordinator for involvement queries
- Press/Volunteers: Press to press@fromefestival.co.uk (not specified, use general); volunteers via office@fromefestival.co.uk—apply year-round for 100+ roles in setup, ushering, and music facilitation; training provided
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support; registered charity (1120329) encourages donations for accessibility
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Bristol Airport (22 miles, 35-minute drive); Bournemouth Airport (40 miles, 1-hour drive); London Heathrow (90 miles, 1.5-hour drive)
- Public Transport: Trains to Frome Station (direct from London Paddington in 1.5 hours, Bath in 20 minutes, Bristol in 40 minutes); local buses from station to town center (5-minute walk); GWR offers festival-timed services
- Parking: Pay-and-display at Frome Town Centre car parks (e.g., Market Place, $5–$10 USD/day); limited free spots at outskirts; carpooling encouraged for eco-friendly access
- Shuttle Services: None dedicated, but pedestrian-friendly town layout (venues within 10–15 minute walk); bike rentals available locally for exploring
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly venues with ramps; contact office for transport aids or quiet access routes; Somerset Council provides Blue Badge parking info
Accommodation Options
- Hotels: The George Hotel (0.2 miles, historic coaching inn with music-themed rooms, from $90 USD/night); The Lanes Hotel (0.5 miles, boutique luxury, from $120 USD/night); Premier Inn Frome (1 mile, budget chain, from $70 USD/night)
- Bed & Breakfasts: Abbey Barn B&B (0.3 miles, cozy farmstay vibe, from $65 USD/night); The Old Bath Arms (0.4 miles, pub-adjacent charm, from $60 USD/night)
- Camping: Longleat Safari Park Camping (8 miles, festival shuttle possible, tents from $30 USD/night); local sites like Frome YHA for budget glamping
- Booking: Via Booking.com or Visit Somerset for discounts; Euro Travelo bundles with train tickets and event passes; book early for July peak
- Additional Info: Airbnbs in Frome’s artisan quarters (e.g., mill conversions) from $80 USD/night; pet-friendly at select B&Bs; family suites abundant due to youth focus
Reviews
- The music lineup was eclectic and electric—perfect mix of local gems and big names that had the whole town grooving!
- Workshops turned me into a budding fiddler; such an inclusive vibe for all ages and skill levels.
- Affordable, joyful chaos of creativity—Frome’s spirit shines brightest during festival week.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What music genres and types of performances can I expect at Frome Festival 2026?
Frome Festival's music program is renowned for its diversity, encompassing folk, indie, rock, world music, and experimental sounds, with past lineups featuring acts like The Levellers for high-energy folk-rock, Imelda May's bluesy swing, and The Mahotella Queens' vibrant South African grooves. In 2026, anticipate a similar breadth across 250+ events, including intimate acoustic sets in historic churches, upbeat ceilidhs in pubs, and headline concerts at Cheese and Grain blending local Somerset talents with national draws. Outdoor park gigs and street busking add spontaneous flair, often tying into themes like Frome's textile history through sound-inspired exhibits. Workshops cover instrument mastery (fiddle, guitar) and vocal ensembles, suitable for all levels. The 25th anniversary may spotlight retrospective sets revisiting 2000s classics. Full lineup drops spring 2026—sign up for the mailing list to catch announcements early and snag priority tickets for must-see shows.
How do I get tickets for music events, and what are the perks of becoming a Friend?
Tickets for music events are handled by individual organizers, listed on https://fromefestival.co.uk with direct links to platforms like See Tickets—no central box office at the festival office. Prices remain accessible, with many free/low-cost options; expect $12–$60 USD range for paid gigs, purchasable online from early 2026. Becoming a Friend ($25–$50 USD annual membership) unlocks priority booking for sold-out shows, plus discounts at partners like Raves from the Grave record shop (10% off vinyl) and Flow Bar (happy hour perks). It's giftable, supports the charity, and includes a welcome pack with exclusive merch. Group/family bundles often available for workshops. Refunds per organizer policy; act fast as popular concerts fill quickly based on 2024's high demand. This system keeps things community-focused and affordable.
Is Frome Festival suitable for families, and what music activities are kid-friendly?
Absolutely, Frome Festival is a Family Arts Standards Holder, prioritizing youth with free/low-cost events reaching every local school via brochure distributions through the Frome Learning Partnership. Music-wise, kids adore interactive singalongs, beginner instrument workshops (e.g., ukulele jams), and family ceilidhs where all ages join easy dances to live folk tunes—no experience needed. Past editions featured storytelling concerts blending songs and tales, plus outdoor park performances with picnic vibes. Under-12s often enter free with adults, and venues like Merlin Theatre offer child-safe seating. The treasure hunt incorporates musical clues for fun exploration. Feedback highlights 90% family satisfaction; quiet zones and stroller access ensure comfort. It's a gateway to creativity, sparking lifelong music love—perfect for multi-generational trips.
What are the main venues for music, and how accessible are they during the festival?
Music thrives at versatile spots like Cheese and Grain (800-capacity hall for big bands, with stage soundproofing for immersive acoustics), Memorial Theatre (historic 1924 space for theatrical folk shows), and pop-up pub stages for casual sessions—all within Frome's compact, walkable center. Over 50 venues total, including parks for free outdoor gigs and churches for choral echoes. Accessibility shines: ramps, hearing loops, and BSL options at key sites; contact office@fromefestival.co.uk pre-event for custom needs like reserved parking or large-print programs. The pedestrian layout minimizes travel (5–15 minutes between spots), with Somerset Council's support for Blue Badge holders. During peak times, volunteer ushers guide crowds, and eco-shuttles from outskirts reduce congestion. This setup makes the festival navigable and inclusive for all, enhancing the musical flow.
How can I volunteer or donate to support the music program, and what impact does it have?
Volunteering is easy and rewarding—email office@fromefestival.co.uk with availability for 100+ roles like sound tech for gigs, workshop assistants, or fringe coordinators; no experience required, with training and free entry perks. It directly bolsters the music scene by enabling more events for local bands. Donations via the website fund accessibility (e.g., subsidized youth tickets) and artist commissions—£20 covers a workshop spot for a child. As a charity, every contribution sustains 250+ events, including music, for 30,000 attendees. Past donors enabled 2024's free concerts; recurring gifts qualify for tax relief. Press/media inquiries welcome for coverage that amplifies emerging musicians. Your involvement shapes 2026's anniversary magic, fostering Frome's creative heartbeat for generations.
