ARTISTS, performers and community groups are being urged to sign up to be part of Basingstoke’s arts festival which is tipped to be bigger than ever.

Individuals, community groups and organisations can now register an event as part of Basingstoke Festival taking place between June 20, and July 13.

In 2013, the second annual festival increased the number of venues to nearly 40, and more than 100 events were co-ordinated by the council across the borough.

Basingstoke Festival aims to bring together an energetic mix of quality events for all ages. Everything from comedy, music or dance to art and craft exhibitions and workshops will be considered as part of the programme.

This year, organisers are keen to see more contributions from rural parts of the borough to make the festival a true representation of grassroots arts and performance throughout Basingstoke and Deane, in a similar vein to the successful Scarecrow Festival staged in Overton last year.

Councillor Cathy Osselton, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet member for partnerships, 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.

“This year we have an opportunity to build on the successes of the past two festivals and consolidate Basingstoke Festival as an essential calendar date for both locals and visitors, and as a celebration of performance of all types in Basingstoke and Deane.”

Cllr Osselton added: “I’m looking forward to seeing what exciting events are being planned, and encourage groups and venues to sign up and get these performances across to a wider audience.”

Registration is free. If accepted into the festival programme, events will benefit from online marketing and inclusion in a programme distributed free to 12,000 people.

To find out more or to register an event, log on to basingstokefestival.co.uk, email festival@basingstoke.gov.uk or call 01256 844844. Registration closes on Friday, March 14.