
Described as “the best and probably most important community event held in Basingstoke”, Basingstoke Festival is now in its 5th year running, and we aim to make this year’s festival even more action packed!
There is a brand new line-up of over 100 amazing events, running from Friday 17 June to Sunday 10 July 2016. From productions of Shakespeare’s classics, such as Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet, to the ‘sand mandala’ art exhibitions and dances of Tibetan Monks, this year is set to be full of brilliant new activities for all the family to enjoy.
The official launch of the festival, at lunchtime on Friday 3 June at 12.30, will be in front of the Willis Museum at the Top of the Town, where you will be able to pick up a free programme of festival events. The launch will feature theThingumajig Theatre Sun Birds, who will be part of a visually spectacular participatory circus and dance based piece, including JG Dance and local children.
The festival will open on Friday 17 June with a Carnival Parade through the town centre and there are a huge number of musical acts and performers booked to perform, including big names such as Jamie Raven and Russell Watson. There will also be demonstrations, arts and craft fairs, food festivals, such as the Cheese and Chilli festival, dancing, buskers, workshops and much, much more! The festival will also provide an opportunity to see the historical side of Basingstoke, with a series of walks through the borough, and will culminate with a grand finale at Basingstoke Live.
Full details of the festival programme will be available from Friday 3 June.