AN outdoor vegan festival will hit Basingstoke this weekend after it was forced to temporarily shut as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The first of its kind 'Vegan Fiesta' was meant to take place on the first Sunday of every month, until lockdown restrictions put it on a forced hiatus.

But now it will welcome back customers on Sunday, August 2.

According to BBC news, the weather in Basingstoke will hit highs of 21C on Sunday, making it warm enough to host the event at The Ampitheatre at Festival Place shopping centre, next to The Angel from 11am to 5pm.

Sarah Zeneli, from Sparkle Vegan Events, said: “We are very excited to be hosting the Summer Vegan Fiesta this Sunday!

"Our stallholders are wonderful small businesses with brilliant homemade, artisan and plant-based goods.

"We look forward to welcoming you!”

Veganism has turned into a popular fad over the years, as more than 3.5mn Brits choose to avoid eating meat and animal products.

This includes avoiding the likes of diary, eggs, honey and products that come from animals such as leather.

And organisers at Basingstoke's Vegan Fiesta are taking extra safety precautions by placing hand sanitisers throughout the site and ensuring attendees maintain a 2 metre distance from each other.

As there is no legal requirement to wear a mask outside, customers can choose to enjoy the event mask free.