FROME looks set to celebrate another packed festival in July despite the continuing Covid-19 pandemic meaning some events have been cancelled.

Festival organisers are confident they will be able to go ahead with most of their planned events between Friday, July 2 and Sunday, July 11, having made some important adjustments to the programme.

Headlining comedian Reginald D Hunter will still play the Memorial Theatre on Friday, July 9 July with Jarred Christmas in support.

Festival creative director Martin Dimery said: "Due to the regulation of 50 per cent capacity, this means there are now only 40 tickets left. Please buy directly on-line from the Memorial Theatre Box Office."

Comedy songwriter and broadcaster Mitch Benn's show on Monday, July 5 at 8pm has now been moved from the Masonic Hall to the Silk Mill's canopied outdoor stage to allow for the expected ticket demand.

John Hegley, the performance poet, was due to appear at the Masonic Hall on Thursday, July 8 but has now moved to Rook Lane Arts to accommodate all those who have already bought tickets. As a consequence, this show has now sold out.

Mr Dimery hailed the festival as “an opportunity to try something different this year with new outdoor venues and more free entertainment in public spaces.

"This has been due in part to the public fundraiser we launched last year during lockdown, enabling us to subsidise many events that would otherwise been beyond our budget."

He added: "Rain or shine, it will be a great festival.”

Sadly, due to continuing Covid-19 legislation, the following events at the Cheese and Grain were too large scale to take place with reduced capacity. They may now be rearranged at another time or held over for next year's festival: Lightning Seeds, Friday, July 2; Celebration for Frome with Active and in Touch, Monday, July 5; Scott Mills, Friday, July 9; Aswad, Saturday, July 10.

The Cheese and Grain is hoping to line up a major replacement act during festival week. Check their website for further details.

Festival-goers should also check with individual pubs to see if their music events are going ahead.

The annual Food Feast in the Market Yard is also cancelled.

There is free entry every night to the new Marston Park glamping site near Tytherington where there will be entertainment, bars and food available, in an open or canvas- roofed setting.

Other outdoor events will also take place at the Green Heart space at Chesterblade Hills.

Shows will continue at the Ecos Amphitheatre and the Merlin Theatre every night.

Comedian Paul Foot has only a few tickets left so early booking is advised.

Tickets for most events are available from the Cheese and Grain box office, or through the Merlin Theatre website.

There is also a family fun day featuring outdoor entertainment at Frome Football Club on Sunday, July 4.

St Leonards Church in Marston Bigot makes its debut as a festival venue with concerts including Daisy Chapman.

At least 90 live events are still scheduled along with exhibitions, the popular Hidden Gardens, and the Art Trail.

Free pop-up shows are appearing in the town centre and in Victoria Park.

Brochures are available from cafes and bars around the region. All updates will be posted on the festival website www.fromefestival.co.uk