A SPECTACULAR circus-themed dance entertained crowds at the Top of The Town at the launch of Basingstoke Festival.

Youngsters from JG Dance and Thingumajig Theatre’s Sun Birds took part in the colourful display, created by Proteus Theatre Company and Nearly There Yet Productions, supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The performance marked the launch of this year’s Basingstoke Festival, which takes place in the borough from Friday, June 17 to Sunday, July 10, offering something for all ages and interests to enjoy.

The event will open on June 17 with a thrilling carnival parade through the town centre, led by BinBot, a giant moving robot made from recycled materials.

Now in its fifth year, the festival programme has a line-up of more than 100 events from productions of Shakespeare classics, to dances of Tibetan Monks.

Key events taking place in the festival this year include the Cheese and Chilli festival at War Memorial Park on July 2 and 3 from 10am to 5pm, and the free Basingstoke Live music festival, also in War Memorial Park on July 9 and 10. For more information visit basingstokefestival.co.uk.