THOUSANDS of people enjoyed musical entertainment at an annual summer festival held in Basingstoke.
Basingstoke Live attracted more than 30,000 people on Saturday and Sunday as people headed to War Memorial Park to listen to a variety of bands and singers perform on five different stages.
The annual music event, organised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, and programmed by the Basingstoke Live forum, marks the end of the two week Basingstoke Festival, which began on June 19.
Large crowds flocked to the park to enjoy an eclectic mix of musical genres from rock and reggae to indie and drum 'n' bass, featuring a mix of local talent alongside national and international performers.
Headlining the Main Stage on Saturday night was Brighton-based electronic rock act, The Qemists, who got the crowds going with a fusion of electronic rock and drum and bas.
On Saturday, Basingstoke DJ Leroy Wilson compered on the Main Stage, introducing a host of acts including former X Factor contestant Lauren Thalia, who lives in Basingstoke.
Four-piece alternative pop/rock band Fake The Attack entertained the audience on Saturday evening, followed by The Network Band, who warmed up the crowds ahead of The Qemists.
Over on the Amped Stage, which provided a platform for guitar based bands, Basingstoke rock band It Varies played a mixture of swung rhythms, heavy riffs, fast guitars with pop punk vocals.
The Sunrise Stage offered visitors the chance to listen to hip-hop, grime, drum 'n' bass, reggae, soul and funk.
There was also a performance from Basingstoke street dance crew FatBoyZ, who showed off their synchronised moves to an impressed audience.
The Unplgd! Stage provided a more relaxing and chilled music.
Although Basingstoke band Karrion turned the volume up a notch on Saturday evening when they headlined the Unplgd! Stage playing a variety of heavy metal tunes.
The creative stage offered families the chance to enjoy hands-on entertainment such as a junk percussion workshop and African drumming workshop.
There was a more relaxed vibe on Sunday, as people returned to the park for a second day of musical entertainment.
Rock band Mungo Jerry headlined on Sunday, treating the audience to a host of classics including the global hit In the Summertime.
Their performance signalled the end of Basingstoke Festival as they played out Basingstoke Live on the Main Stage.
Councillor Cathy Osselton, Cabinet member for partnerships, said: "What a fantastic way to showcase the best in local music talent alongside national and international performers. Once again thousands of people turned out to support this popular event.
"I was there on both days and thoroughly enjoyed it all, it was the perfect way to round off what has been hugely successful Basingstoke Festival and I congratulate everyone who performed and helped in the organisation.
"The Basingstoke Festival and Basingstoke Live relies heavily on the support of local people coming together to show off some of the real talent we have here in Basingstoke - both events are a real testament to this and we should all be very proud."
*See this Thursday's Gazette for more on Basingstoke Live.
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