Frome FM turns up the volume for summer fundraiser
- Daisy Steel
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
When we first came up with the idea for When in Frome, we wanted to create a podcast celebrating the people, places and stories that make this town so special.
What we didn’t realise was that we’d also find a new home at Frome FM, a community radio station where creativity, curiosity and local voices are at the heart of everything they do.
Every month, Becky, Sonia and I head into the studio to record our latest adventures, from meeting our Local Legends and uncovering hidden histories to celebrating the brilliant makers, creators and campaigners in our community.
We’ve also discovered that the best way to get to know Frome is sometimes to say yes to things that take you completely out of your comfort zone. Which explains why Sonia has found herself speed dating, blindfolded for an ice cream taste test and taking on all sorts of slightly ridiculous challenges in the name of entertainment.
More than just a podcast
But When in Frome is just one small part of the story.
Frome FM broadcasts around 40 shows every month, created by a team of dedicated volunteers who give their time to share music, ideas, conversations and stories from across the community.
From specialist music shows and arts programmes to local voices and community conversations, there really is something for everyone.
And during Frome Festival, the station has been right at the heart of the action, with special breakfast shows bringing listeners all the latest festival news, interviews and highlights.
Behind all those programmes, playlists and conversations is a volunteer-run station that relies on community support to keep broadcasting.
Helping secure Frome FM's future
That’s why Frome FM is inviting the whole town to tune in, turn up and show its support at a special summer fundraiser to help secure the future of the station.
The Big Frome FM Summer Fundraiser takes place at the Silk Mill on Saturday 25th July with a full day of live music, DJs, food, family activities and plenty of chances to discover what goes on behind the microphone.
The event is raising vital funds to upgrade Frome FM’s studio from analogue to digital, ensuring the station can continue giving local voices a platform for years to come.
Keeping a community radio station on air comes at a cost. The team is aiming to raise £10,000 to replace ageing analogue equipment with a modern digital broadcast mixing desk, install a digital network and upgrade the technology needed for the future. A £15,000 target would allow further improvements to the studio and facilities.
A day for the whole community
The fundraiser kicks off with a family discovery afternoon from 1pm until 5.30pm, with entry by donation.
Visitors can have a go at making their own radio show, learn maypole dancing, browse vinyl stalls, enjoy delicious food and find out more about getting involved with the station.
From 6pm the party gets started, with live music from Free Monet alongside Frome FM DJs playing disco, house and electro until late. Evening tickets cost £7.
For me, Frome FM sums up so much of what I love about this town. It’s a place where everyone has a story, everyone has a voice and you never quite know what you’re going to discover next.
Whether you fancy trying your hand behind the microphone, discovering new music, dancing the night away or simply supporting a brilliant local cause, Frome FM would love to see you there.
Tickets are available here:
Written by Daisy Steel.
Journalist, columnist and podcaster
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