A POP-up venue is set to host half-term entertainment for all ages.
The Event Box is a temporary indoor venue which will be in Market Place at the Top of The Town from Monday, 18 February until Saturday, 23 February with a programme of free daytime activities as well as ticketed events for children and adults in the evenings.
Events include film showings, workshops, arty sessions and more.
The initiative is organised by and Basingstoke Together, and supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Basingstoke Together is the face of the Basingstoke Business Improvement District (BID).
Lucy Boazman, chief executive of Basingstoke Together, said: “We’re so excited to be hosting such a fabulous calendar of events here in Basingstoke at The Event Box. At this time of year, we’re all a little more inclined to stay at home or indoors. However, we want to encourage people to venture out and explore the fun activities which are on offer during this traditionally quieter time of the year.
“We hope that lots of people of all ages will make the most of this fun opportunity to come and join in the fun at The Event Box. We also hope that it helps to cement Basingstoke as a great destination for families as well as visitors of all ages.”
Some activities will require pre-booking due to a capacity restriction.
All of the daytime activities will be free of charge although some evening activities incur a ticket cost.
More information can be found at basingstoketogether.co.uk.
The full schedule includes:
Monday, 18 February, 11am to 6pm, The Jurassic Box
Head off on a dino dig to discover T-Rex bones, train your dinosaur and find out about the world when dinosaurs used to roam. Arts, crafts and dino dress up for youngsters.
Tuesday, 19 February, Noon to 6pm, The Bricks Box
Children can indulge their imaginations in a world of LEGO. Marvel at the amazing brick unicorn made of 37,800 individual elements, take control of the Brick Kingdom or get a selfie in the LEGO brick throne. There will also be play tables also available for children to get creative too.
Wednesday, 20 February, 11am to 5pm, The Art Box
Get messy with Artventurers to make your own creations with glitter, paint and everything in between. Free face painting for children aged three and over.
Wednesday, 20 February, 7pm to– 10pm, The Art Box After Dark
A pop-up art gallery will showcase up to 30 new works from local and visiting artists, hosted by THAT Gallery, Basingstoke. Some of the artists will also be on hand to discuss their work. Free to attend but pre-booking is required.
Thursday, 21 February, 11am to 4pm, The Circus Box
A day of circus skills workshops and demonstrations for your budding greatest showmen, as well as puppetry workshops and interactive shows.
Thursday, 21 February, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Film Box Kids
The Greatest Showman showing. £3 per ticket which must be pre-booked
Thursday, 21 February, 8pm to 10pm, Film Box Adults
Top Gun showing. £5 per ticket which must be pre-booked
Friday, 22 February, 11am to 4pm, The Games Box
Test your skills against Miss Pacman, beat your friends at air hockey or take yourself back to the 1980s and try your hand at Space Invaders.
Friday, 22 February, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Film Box Kids
The Lego Movie showing. £3 per ticket which must be pre-booked.
Friday, 22 February, 8pm to 10pm, Film Box Adults
The Wedding Singer showing. £5 per ticket which must be pre-booked.
Saturday, 23 February, 11am to 4pm, The Tech Box
Test your skills as a drone pilot or take part in a live virtual orchestra. The drone racing is suitable for children who are able to ride a bike as hand-eye coordination is key.
Saturday, 23 February, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Film Box Kids
Despicable Me showing. £3 per ticket which must be pre-booked.
Saturday, 23 February, 8pm to 10pm, Film Box Adults
Shaun of The Dead showing. £5 per ticket which must be pre-booked.
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