WITH the sun shining on Basingstoke over the weekend, here is our guide to what's happening across the town and beyond (indoors and outdoors) on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday

Odiham

The Odiham parade and box cart race will be making its return on Saturday.

Home-made carts will be whizzing down the High Street in Odiham, with teams looking to rack up the fastest time. This year, all of the armed forces will be represented, with teams from the Army, Navy, and a team from local RAF Odiham will make an appearance.

There will also be a parade beforehand kicking off the proceedings, going from London Road to Church Road, starting off at 10am.

Parking is available from 6pm tonight (Friday) in the Deer Park View car park and on Saturday at The Old School.

Bands in the Bury will also be making a return, with bands taking to The Bury stage from 12.30pm until late.

Basingstoke Festival

The festival continues throughout the weekend with a range of events.

Eastrop

World Party returns to Eastrop Park from 10am to 5.30pm. Event showcasing the rich cultural heritage within the borough organised by the Basingstoke Multicultural Forum and the council. This year’s theme is ‘The Windrush Generation’ and there will be performances, a vibrant parade, food stalls and a number of workshops and attractions.

Town centre/ Top of The Town

Acclaimed artist Sian Story will be painting a large-scale mural in one of Festival Place’s spaces, as well as hosting an exhibition of her colourful paintings. Also on Sunday.

The Young Embroiderers Guild and London Street United Reformed Church craft club will coordinate the creation of a patchwork community banner celebrating ‘The Best of Basingstoke’. Buy a fabric square for £1 and decorate it to become part of the banner. Running from 10am to 4pm at the church.

Winklebury

Winklebury Gala returns to Winklebury Playing Fields from 1pm til 5pm. Free entry. Lots of stalls and attractions including the Basingstoke Aero Club, the Reptile Ranch and some fabulous arena entertainment.

Chineham

Chineham Library is celebrating its 35th birthday. From 10am to noon, celebrate, have fun making birthday cards and bookmarks and see photos of how the library looked back in 1984.

Old Basing

ST MARY’S Church will be celebrating summer this weekend. The festivities start today (Friday) with an evening of hymns and Pimm’s. Glasses of Pimm’s will be served from 7pm followed by hymn singing at 7.30pm. A reviving second glass of Pimm’s will be offered in the concert interval but fruit cup will also be available. Tickets are £5 per person. On Saturday there will be traditional village fete at the church from 11am to 5pm. Admission is free, but generous donations to the work of St. Mary’s are requested. There will be a concert by the Infant and Junior Schools at 2pm, street organs playing outside, children’s games, a variety of stalls, a raffle and an exhibition about the history of the church. Refreshments will be served throughout the day with cream teas in the afternoon. There will be an opportunity to meet Reverend Heather, St Mary’s new vicar.

Barton's Mill is holding its annual family fun day, with storytelling from the Shed of Stories, inflatables and a visit from the Wadsworth Shire horses. There will be a barbecue from 12noon until 6pm.

Tadley

BURNHAM Copse Parent Teacher Association is holding its summer fair this Saturday, running from noon to 4pm. Lots to buy and do. Being held in Newchurch Road, Tadley.

Whitchurch

Whitchurch Silk Mill will host the return of Sylvanian Families Shopping Weekend. Offering a range of Sylvanian products for sale, plus special offers, competitions and even visits from your Sylvanian characters as well as their special song and dance performances. Free entry, no ticket required. Runs from 10am. Also on Sunday.

Down Grange

Join Proteus’ adult drama workshop group The Proteans for a production of Much Ado About Nothing. This Much Ado will take audience back to the 1980s and will include plenty of screwball comedy, songs and silliness. Enjoy a picnic beforehand in the Walled Garden at Down Grange.

Tickets £10, or £8 for concessions.

Sunday

Basingstoke Festival

The festival continues throughout the weekend with a range of events.

Town centre

Rebel, Rebel is at Festival Place at 11.30am and 1.30pm. Join tribes from faraway lands as they come together for a brave expedition that may require your help. Expect large scale puppets, masks and lots of playfulness.

Winklebury

SYCAMORE Centre has its car boot sale on Sunday from 1pm to 4pm, set up from noon.

Bramley

There will be an open-air Songs of Praise at 10.30am on Clift Meadow. Instrumental backing will be provided by the Tadley Band.

Old Basing

A performance of Much Ado Nothing will be held at Barton's Mill. Doors open at 4pm, performance from 5pm. Drinks and a barbecue before the production. Tickets £15 or £10 for under 18s.

Silchester

CREAM teas at served at the Methodist Church each Sunday from 3pm to 5.30pm. All welcome to come along in the garden at church if the weather allows.