The Popley Festival will have been running for 26 years when it returns on Sunday, 20 May with the specific aim of enhancing the sense of community and belonging in Popley and the wider Basingstoke community by providing a free, all age, community run event where people can learn more about the organisations that operate in the area and also have a lot of fun with a variety of recreational activities.

There will be great rides and attractions from Walls fun fair, a whole variety of charity, community and business stalls, places to eat, beer tent, car boot sale and live music all day.

This year the festival will have its own mini festival with a mix of bands and community groups performing through the day.

Emphasising the community feel to the event, New Testament Church of God Basingstoke will be running the competition tent, where local schools and youth groups are taking part to be the best in show.

If you’re looking for something for lunch there will be food from the Caribbean, Philippines and India, as well as barbecues and burger vans, so something for all tastes and to wash it down there will be Popley Fields Community Association running the beer tent.

There is unlimited all day parking available on the field, only £1 per car.

The setup for the car boot sale is from 8am till 10.30am with no car movements allowed on the field after this time and costs of £5 per car.

Any questions about the festival, taking part or attending can be directed to Tracey Judge, centre manager at Popley Fields Community Centre, on 01256 414494, office@popleyfields.org or go to popleyfestival.org.uk.