FROME FESTIVAL TREASURE HUNT

A fixture of Frome Festival’s programme, the annual Treasure Hunt challenges you to find your way around Frome with the help of mildly devious clues.

You do not need knowledge of Frome, just a keen eye and a sense of humour. All the clues are found within a reasonable distance of the town centre and the challenge provides an enjoyable afternoon or two strolling around our wonderful town.

Treasure Hunt Prize

Designed by goldsmith Annette Gabbedey

We are hugely grateful to Annette Gabbedey for donating a beautiful handmade solid silver garnet Curvy Pendant, specially created for the Festival’s Silver Anniversary. Annette has generously supported the Treasure Hunt with a prize every year for 25 years

Thank you to everyone who took part!

Pauline Harris has been named the winner of the 2026 Frome Festival Treasure Hunt, winning a one-off Silver Curvy Pendant with Garnet, specially created by Frome goldsmith Annette Gabbedey to mark the Festival’s 25th anniversary.

Frome residents since 1979, Pauline and her husband Nigel have taken part in the Treasure Hunt four or five times previously. This year, Pauline’s name was drawn from ten completely correct entries. Gavin Rea, who devised this year’s Treasure Hunt, clarified: “It would have been more, but we had to mark down those who did not spell St Catharine of Alexandria correctly. Many thanks to everyone who gave it a go.”

For the Harrises, the hardest clue was question five, at Bendalls Wharf near Great Western Street.

“We knew where it had to be, but we couldn’t find it,” Pauline explained. “And in the end, Nigel became like a dog with a bone and was not going to let this clue beat him. When you’ve got all the rest, you just think, I’ve got to get this.”

After numerous dog walks and several trips driving up and down the road, they finally found the correct sign and completed their entry.

Pauline was thrilled to receive the pendant, designed and handmade by Annette Gabbedey, and was particularly pleased as Annette had also created her daughter’s wedding ring.

“I was delighted to be able to offer the prize again, especially for this year’s 25th, which was really special to be part of,” said Annette. “The necklace was on the verge of my signature Curvy Pendants, but I wanted to have that extra twist with a garnet to make it an extra special, hand-finished one-off piece.”

She added: “It’s a privilege to be part of the festival. I love it. And I just love being part of the town, so it’s nice to be supporting it.”

Andy Jones, Frome Festival Co-Chair of Trustees, represented the festival at the prize-giving. He said: “It’s lovely to be able to award the prize for the Treasure Hunt, particularly on the 25th anniversary. Thanks to Annette for contributing over all those years, and congratulations to Pauline for winning.”