REGISTRATION is now open for Basingstoke Festival 2015.

Artists, performers and community groups are being urged to sign up to be part of the event.

In its fourth year, the 2015 arts festival will take place in the borough from Friday, June 19 to Sunday, July 12.

Everything from comedy, music or dance to art and craft exhibitions and workshops will be considered to help create an energetic mix of quality events for all ages.

Registration is free and, if accepted in the festival programme, events will receive all the benefits of being part of a flagship festival including online marketing and inclusion in a programme distributed free to 12,000 people.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet member for partnerships Cllr Cathy Osselton said: “Basingstoke Festival is becoming known as a brilliant showcase for arts and performance across the borough with the full involvement of our emerging home grown talent and community-based groups.

“Last year we brought new and successful elements to the festival one of those being the ‘Going to town’ programme. This year we want to continue to build the festival to produce a vibrant programme of arts and cultural events for all ages to enjoy in venues across the borough.

“If you are holding a small theatre production in a local village hall or organising a world premiere concert we want you to be involved in the festival. I’m looking forward to seeing what exciting events are being planned and encourage groups and venues to sign up to get these performances across to a wider audience.”

To find out more or to register an event online, log on to basingstokefestival.co.uk, email festival@basingstoke.gov.uk or call 01256 844844 to receive a registration form.

Registration closes on Friday, March 13.