Giant turtle to take over Basingstoke town centre for Basingstoke Festival launch

The fourth Basingstoke Festival, which is co-ordinated by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, will get underway in style with an evening of free fun.

The entertainment kicks off at 5pm with a colourful carnival. People are encouraged to line the streets as the procession, which will be led by a giant mechanical turtle, makes its way from Eastrop Park to the Top of The Town, outside the Willis Museum.

After the parade, the party will continue with entertainment from local jazz band The Ingenious Gentlemen who are performing with Basingstoke Academy of Dance, followed by Hampshire DJs Funktifino.

There will also be the opportunity to don some headphones and throw some shapes between tracks at the festival’s own silent disco for people over 18-years-old, complete with a giant illuminated turtle.

The evening of entertainment will be staged by outdoor arts company, Emergency Exit Arts, and Basingstoke's Proteus Theatre Company with the support of public funding from the Arts Council England and the borough council.

Friday’s event will build on the spectacular firebird procession at the Top of The Town which launched the festival programme at the end of May.

This year’s festival runs from this Friday until Sunday, July 12 and features a jam-packed programme bursting with everything from big name acts to free Top of The Town street entertainment.

Cabinet member for partnerships, Councillor Cathy Osselton, said: “This is going to be party to remember, a super start to what promises to be yet again a fantastic festival!

"The giant firebird at the programme launch was really something but this will be something very special.

“Bring your families along to the town centre and make this carnival parade and free evening entertainment a party like no other!”

For more information about the parade and opening events or to view the full Basingstoke Festival programme, log on to basingstokefestival.co.uk.