Hampshire

Free Arts Festival Returns To Basingstoke For Three Weekends In 2026

By

Karen McGinn
19 February 2026, 2:26 pm

The Basingstoke Festival is returning to Basingstoke, Hampshire, for three weekends this summer to celebrate its 15th anniversary. The free outdoor arts event will take place from June 19, 2026, to July 5, 2026.

Produced by the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the festival brings street theatre, circus performances, music, and dance to the town centre. Residents can watch a variety of storytelling and art displays across several local venues at no cost.

The event is a member of Without Walls, which is a national network that brings outdoor arts to towns across England. Local organisers say the festival helps to bring high-quality culture to unusual places like streets and parks.

Performances will be held at various locations including the Festival Place shopping centre, The Malls, and the Top of Town area. The three-weekend event is designed to support local businesses by encouraging more people to visit the town centre.

The programme will feature a mix of local Hampshire artists and international performers. Full details of the specific acts and show times will be released by the council closer to the start of the festival.

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