IT MAY have taken a show of people power to help persuade the borough’s powers-that-be that it should happen – but Basingstoke Live is clearly a free music festival that the people love.

More than 36,000 music lovers flocked to the two-day event at War Memorial Park last weekend– and they were treated to a wide range of great music, much of it local, and all performed in glorious sunshine.

It was at the end of last year that The Gazette reported how Basingstoke Live was under threat as council chiefs prepared to pull the plug due to a funding shortfall.

The planned axe sparked a public backlash, with more than 1,000 people signing a petition for Basingstoke Live to be saved, and nearly 100 supporters staging a musical protest outside the Civic Offices where councillors were deciding the fate of the event.

After listening to the public’s views, and those of fellow councillors, then Cabinet member Councillor Elaine Still decided that the necessary funds – £27,000, taking the borough input to £86,200 – would be found to keep Live alive – and her Cabinet colleagues agreed.

The scenes at War Memorial Park last Saturday were markedly different from last year, when the site turned into a mud bath following a bout of bad weather. But there was not even a cloud in the sky for the seventh Basingstoke Live as temperatures soared to 30 degrees Celsius – the hottest day of the year.

The weather encouraged families and groups of friends to relax outside while listening to music on the various stages.

The festival, which was attended by a record 27,000 people on Saturday, kicked off with Basingstoke boyband Concept, who attracted a mass of teenage girls to the Main Stage.

Minus one of their members, the four lads spoke to their fans at the front of the stage before performing six cover songs.

Becky Percy, 13, from Kempshott, was one of those lucky enough to speak to the group. The Aldworth Science College pupil, who was in tears after receiving a hug from the boys, said: “They are just the best. They said they were happy to see me.”

Concept member Scott Dicks said: “It's great to be back home. Hopefully, we'll get everyone singing along in the sun. It will be fun.” The group have just recorded their debut single which is due out in October.

A team of young reporters from Basingstoke Voluntary Services were interviewing the bands backstage at the festival, as part of their work towards an arts award in media.

Sophie Harwood, 16, from Tadley was part of the team of seven, who were also videoing and photographing the acts.

The Cranbourne Business and Enterprise student said: “It's amazing. I'm hoping to get some experience as I want to be a BBC Radio One presenter.”

DJ Leroy Wilson compered on the Main Stage throughout Saturday.
Basingstoke band OkCorrel drew in a huge crowd when they took to the stage at 4pm. There were chants of 'one more song' when the four-piece indie-rock act finished their set. Adam Hailstone, 20, from Kingsclere, said the performance was the band's swan song.

He added: “It was amazing here, and there were good vibes.”
There were more relaxed sounds coming from the Unplgd! Stage when Universal Cutlery Basket entertained the crowds.

The nine-piece band played a variety of their own songs and covers, including 'Movin' on Up' by Primal Scream.

Joe French, 36, from Basingstoke, said: “It was good fun. There was a good reception from the crowd.”

Speaking about Basingstoke Live, he added: “If it wasn't in Basingstoke, I would have to move out.”

As the sun set on Saturday, thousands gathered at the main stage for the headline act - rapper Ashley Thomas, aka Bashy, with BBC Radio 1Xtra DK CJ Beatz.

Paul Midgley, from Basingstoke Drum Runners, which help to organise Basingstoke Live, said: “People are so supportive of Basingstoke Live.

“It's a whole mixture of people coming together, and it breaks down barriers between amateur and professional. It gives people a platform to aspire to.”