ONE of the most colourful events of the local arts calendar comes to Eastrop Park on Saturday, June 29.

See the world come to one park for The World Party, which celebrates the culture of many countries and sees families from various communities, local businesses and local charities coming together to foster greater understanding amongst all. The aim is to promote social cohesion through art, culture and cuisine.

The day’s celebrations will commence at 11am with a children’s parade involving various primary schools drumming across the park. The World Stage will play host to a variety of performers throughout the day including Bollywood dance, Fatboyz, Natasha Watts, a steel band and Basingstoke’s hugely-popular boyband Concept.

There will also be street performers in the area including Dear Lido, and various art and music and dance workshops for everyone to take part in.
Other workshops include facepainting, henna and storytelling and events will continue until 5pm. 

Since 2010, the World Party event has become a pivotal event in North Hampshire to exhibit and celebrate diverse cultural traditions of the people living in Basingstoke and Deane. Last year, over 4,000 people attended what was a spectacular sight moving around the park.

This year, the event is organised by Hampshire Indo British Society and Basingstoke Multicultural Forum with the support of Anvil Arts, Basingstoke Council and various other community groups and local businesses.

Come along to sample the best of the local cultures represented, to take part in various workshops for all, and to taste world food which will definitely tantalise your taste buds.

A park and ride will be in operation from War Memorial park to Eastrop park.