THE OPENING scenes of the new James Bond film will come to life in Basingstoke this Friday at a Mexican Day of the Dead event.

Spectre – the new James Bond film which was released on Monday – kicks off with scenes from a Day of the Dead parade, which was shot in Mexico City.

And the scenes will be replicated in a colourful new event at the Top of The Town on Friday.

A colourful musical procession of giant illuminated skulls, skeletons, dancers and lanterns will fill the streets from 7pm and a giant audio visual projection, which has been created by artist and filmmaker, Dr Lighthouse, will follow in Market Place at 7.45pm.

Dance routines choreographed by Brazilian dancer Manuela Benini will involve JG Dance and Basingstoke Academy of Dancing, as well as youth groups across the borough and the Basingstoke Gateway Award Project.

In addition, a number of activities, including face painting and a sugar skull craft workshop, will take place from 12noon.

Other activities include food stalls, live music performances, a gift fair, a night market and storytellers with traditional tales from Basingstoke’s past.

The event, which has attracted funding from Arts Council England, will honour ancestors from Basingstoke’s past, with themes of loss and rejoicing coming together.

The borough council’s Cabinet Member leading on the Town Centre Programme, Councillor Terri Reid said: “I’m really looking forward to welcoming spectators and participants to the Top of the Town for the first Mexican Day of the Dead community event for Basingstoke.

“I hope as many local people as possible will get involved with this exciting event and help raise the profile of the arts in the historic heart of Basingstoke.”

For more information, visit www.topofthetown.org.