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.
Discover the story of the first seven years of Frome Festival, covering the period when it was founded and directed by Martin Bax MBE. Enjoy film clips and stories from the early years including Craft on the Hill and outdoor musical spectaculars. You might even spot familiar faces still supporting the Festival today. Presented by […]
An exquisite fusion of words and music, Imaginary Landscapes brings together the spellbinding poetry of critically acclaimed author, performer and raconteur Chris Tutton, with the semi-improvised brilliance of international harpist, Tara Minton. Chris Tutton is the and award-winning author of eight collections of poetry. Coined by Ned Sherrin as “the master of the short poem” […]
Step into a dramatized “trial” exploring the boyhood autobiography of Arthur Crocker, born in 1903 in the former police station at 1a Christchurch Street West. Upstairs, in the building’s former courtroom, his granddaughter, Caroline Greenman, provides evidence for cross-examination. The book launches at the Frome Publishing Fair on 4 July from 10am (Mercer Books). Unreserved […]
**We regret to inform you that this event has been cancelled. Ticket holders will be contacted regarding refunds** A wild, poetic dive into transformation. Stand-up poet Kate Fox and folk duo Union Jill explore the raw, powerful currents of transformation, sea swimming, and ecological shift. Part gig, part performance, part ritual–a journey where human and […]
Discover the untold history of these intriguing warrior-monks who have fascinated the world for over 700 years. Across this day of talks, expert speakers will reveal the stories behind the conventional history. What were the knights really doing in Jerusalem during the Crusades? Why were they called the guardians of the Holy Grail, and why […]
Join local author and Magic Quill founder Clemency Brown for a fun and inspiring creative writing workshop to celebrate the release of her children’s fantasy adventure Wishbound. Create your own fantastical worlds and your own magic, and discover just how enchanting writing can be! Open to ages 8-13.
Award-winning classicist and historian Emily Hauser blends archaeology, literature and myth to uncover the real women behind Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. From Helen of Troy, Cassandra and Aphrodite to Circe, Athena, Calypso and Penelope – Mythica is a ground-breaking reassessment of the reality behind the often-mythologised women of ancient Greece.
Join local author and heritage tree specialist Julian Hight on this ever-popular walk to see some of Frome's most majestic trees, and hear about their history, legacy and lore. This easy walk will include Millennium Green, Rodden Meadow and Willow Vale.
The Fez Comedy Club in association with Edge Street Live presents Nigel Planer in Young Once - A Life Less Heavy. Nigel Planer, beloved as Neil the hippy from The Young Ones and a founding figure of the 80’s alternative comedy scene, brings his memoir Young Once to life in a warm, sharply funny live […]
A visual arts and activities display featuring ancient and modern, classic and contemporary, typed and pictorial Bibles for adults and children to browse through.
Writing for renewal, resilience and transformation. In this writing workshop, author, educator and Focusing Practitioner, Kylie Fitzpatrick, shares simple but powerful writing practices for reconnecting with ourselves, finding inspiration, and befriending the page.
Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer was significant in establishing today’s Church of England. During the reformation he shaped Protestant belief, and wrote the Book of Common Prayer. Condemned for heresy under Mary I, he embraced reform before his execution in 1556. Led by Rev Sam Thompson.
STORIES OF THE DALAI LAMA – Alison Murdoch DALAI LAMA DAY – CELEBRATE THE 91ST BIRTHDAY OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA Born in 1935 in a remote Tibetan village, The Dalai Lama has been a teenage head of state, refugee, world religious leader and Nobel Prize winner – although he describes himself as ‘a […]
The medieval Bayeux Tapestry will travel from France to the British Museum this year. In advance of this momentous loan, Dave will consider how the Bayeux Tapestry has shaped our knowledge of the Norman Conquest and how it continues to exert its influence to this day. Dr Dave Musgrove is content director of HistoryExtra Magazine […]
In conversation with Helena Drysdale, Winnie M Li explores her critically acclaimed third novel, What We Left Unsaid. Winnie’s writing explores gender and racial inequality, trauma, and displacement. She holds a PhD from the LSE, and is an Assistant Professor in Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham.
A visual arts and activities display featuring ancient and modern, classic and contemporary, typed and pictorial Bibles for adults and children to browse through.
St Joan of Arc is a heroic person - a David standing against Medieval Goliaths. Inspiration to overcome the insurmountable forces in our own lives can be found by meditating on her life. Led by Rev Seamus Hargraves.
When facing difficult times, it’s important to find a source of hope – and many of us turn to nature for our emotional sustenance. In Dawn’s workshop, nature’s good-news stories are used to prompt creative writing around the idea of finding, and nourishing, feelings of hope.
Paperback books were not readily available a century ago. Launched in 1935, Penguin Books cost only 6 pence each, a fraction of the price of hardbacks. Suddenly, ordinary people could accumulate their own libraries, expanding their horizons. Barry Edwards explores the social impact of this paperback revolution up to 1960 and the publication of ‘Lady […]
Award-winning poet Jenny Mitchell will perform work from her three prize-winning collections, and a recently edited anthology called ‘Everyone Started Singing’. She will also be in conversation with Roz Dace about the power of poetry to change lives, followed by an audience Q&A.
Sir Tony Robinson has become Britain’s foremost face of popular history through his career as an actor, presenter and author. Delivering the 25th anniversary edition of the prestigious Bob Morris Lecture, he draws on his life and love of history by weaving tales from a long career making history and archaeology television. Doors 6.30pm Sponsored […]
Enjoy a night of poetry and be the first to hear the winning poems for the Crysse Morrison Prize for Poetry 2026, presented by judge Kate Fox. A stand-up poet, spoken word artist and broadcaster, Kate will also be performing some of her own poetry. Share your own works in a relaxed Open Mic. Sponsored […]
In the post-Restoration period Frome became a major centre of non-conformity, with many places of worship being built within the town. This walk will visit several of them (exteriors only) and reveal the stories behind the denominations who built them. Led by David Lassman of Frome Heritage CIC.
A visual arts and activities display featuring ancient and modern, classic and contemporary, typed and pictorial Bibles for adults and children to browse through.
Meditate on C.S. Lewis’s honest journey through bereavement. Moving from the 'raw fear' of loss to the 'quiet peace' of faith, explore scripture, music and shared conversation to discover hope within our deepest valleys. Led by Rev Clarissa Shaw Notice.
The world is in turmoil. Many believe they will be made more secure by creating a stronger military to challenge their ‘enemies’. Launching his book ‘Peace is Possible’, Satish Kumar dispels this illusion and argues that we do not need enemies. Peace is the certain way to prosperity and happiness.
The story of Alice Seeley Harris and how the photographs of the horrors she witnessed as a missionary in the Congo launched one of the first international human rights campaigns and led to the fall of Leopold II, among the richest and most powerful men in the world. David Heath is a well-known local speaker, […]
Tapestry, Kylie Fitzpatrick's bestselling novel, is re-released in June 2026 to mark the historic visit to the UK of the Bayeux Tapestry. The novel explores the tapestry's story through the lives of two women: an embroiderer in 1064 and an academic in 2018. Together, they reveal the history of this most enigmatic artefact. Frome author, […]
Don't judge a book by its cover. Or so we're told... But a cover can make or break any book - however great or terrible. Join Mark Ecob, one of the UK's leading cover designers, in conversation with Tina Gaisford-Waller of Hunting Raven, and discover the secrets of what sells.
Please note this event is taking place in Silk Mill Gallery, not Silk Mill West / Frome Art School as per the brochure Discover what top agents look for in submissions. Kate Hordern, who runs an independent literary agency with a growing list of clients, and Clare Wallace, shortlisted for the British Book Awards Agent […]
A visual arts and activities display featuring ancient and modern, classic and contemporary, typed and pictorial Bibles for adults and children to browse through.
Poet, priest and peacemaker, Columba was one of the most influential saints of Ireland and Scotland, helping to transform and shape Christian heritage across both nations. Learn about his remarkable life and meditate on some of his prayers. Led by Annie Herridge.
Emma Sheppard saw for herself the inhumanity of the Victorian workhouse and made it her mission to reach out to those in poverty and need, and press for reform to a system which was empty of compassion and full of needless cruelty and neglect. David Heath is a well-known local speaker, and former Frome MP.
Discover Britain’s oldest trees with author Julian Hight in an illustrated talk featuring stunning photography, music and video. From great oaks to Celtic rainforest, millennial yews to remnant hunting forest, their stories, legend and mythology are revealed through an ancient treescape. Entry includes £2 off Julian’s new Ancient Tree Explorer book. http://www.treeman.uk
Authors Peter Clark and Annie Elliot bring Charles and Catherine Dickens back to life with vibrant scenes from their different Dickens books. Find out what happened when middle-aged Charles fell in love with a teenager and wanted to be rid of the loving wife, who had given him ten children.
A visual arts and activities display featuring ancient and modern, classic and contemporary, typed and pictorial Bibles for adults and children to browse through.
Julian of Norwich was a medieval woman who walked closely with God. Living through tumultuous and dangerous times, she survived illness and received visions from God which still encourage and inspire Christians today. Led by Ann Phillips.
Frome’s wartime MP Mavis Tait was never dull. A committed feminist, she was never afraid to make her point, whether it was defeating Churchill on equal pay, seeing for herself life in the Somerset coalmines, or reporting back on the horrors of the Nazi extermination camps. David Heath is a well-known local speaker, and former […]
**We regret to inform you that this event has been cancelled. All ticket holders will be contacted regarding refunds** Step back in time to meet one of the UK’s most celebrated cult television entertainers! Wacaday’s utterly brilliant, ‘Timmy Mallett’ will be joining us on Friday 10th July at Rook Lane Chapel, Frome. The evening will […]
Nicholas is a prize-winning novelist and biographer. In discussion with Kylie Fitzpatrick, he will explore the intimate connection between writers and spies, and the authors and places which have inspired him. In his latest novel, ‘Frame 37’, Dyer – an ex-journalist – tries to stop a dubious candidate from becoming US President.
Discover St John’s on an atmospheric tour by candlelight around our church. Experience the immersive combination of meditation, light, music and stories that this ancient church has to share with us. Afterwards, you are invited to join the choir for Compline - a short service of quietness and reflection.
Join John Hegley for an opportunity for writing drawing and drawing out the creative. No experience required, just experiences. There is optional sharing and singing. There is mandolin playing. There is colouring-in. Activities are designed for anyone who has been seven-years-old. All adults to be accompanied by a child or children. No children to be […]
In the post-Restoration period Frome became a major centre of non-conformity, with many places of worship being built within the town. This walk will visit several of them (exteriors only) and reveal the stories behind the denominations who built them. Led by David Lassman of Frome Heritage CIC.
Andrew Miller talks to Emma Craigie about ‘The Land in Winter’, his Booker-shortlisted, ‘word-of-mouth favourite’ novel, set in Somerset during the Great Freeze of 1962-3. As the relentless snow creates a new world, two neighbouring couples start to question what it is they want from life.
**Due to the heat, the event organisers have decided to postpone this sold out walk and talk. Existing ticket holders have been given the option to join on Saturday 25th or Saturday 1st August, 3-5pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused** Join author Emma Poole for an enchanting afternoon as she unveils the secrets behind […]
Join Frome Writers Collective for a wonderful celebration of local, regional and international writing talent. The winners of the Young Writer Competition and the Frome Writers in Residence contest will be announced, and acclaimed author Claire Fuller will reveal the winners of the Frome Short Story Competition and award the prizes.
Join local author and heritage tree specialist Julian Hight on this ever-popular walk to see some of Frome's most majestic trees, and hear about their history, legacy and lore. This easy walk will include Millennium Green, Rodden Meadow and Willow Vale.
**We regret to inform you that this event has been cancelled** Glamour and glory! Back by popular demand, Fashionable Faith will give you an expert guide through the history and meaning of Christian dress. Admire the detail of our embroidery, be dazzled by the array of colour, understand the rich symbolism and meaning of Church-wear […]
Emeritus Professor of Physics at Imperial College London, Prof. Keith Barnham considers how Frome could become the first UK town with an all-renewable electricity supply from wind and solar power. The software GIFTS (Get It From The Sun) compares solar and wind supply with grid demand and calculates the anaerobic digestion required to deliver secure […]
Lily Dunn talks to Harriet Derioz about the importance of memoir in our fragmented times, as a transformative experience for both writer and reader. A discussion about life - writing as a shifting and changing form, and why a personal narrative is so much more than finding the story and sharing it with the world.