WHETHER young or old, there are plenty of events on offer in Basingstoke. It's just about you finding the perfect event that suits your tastes and interest.
And if you are a parent, you have more than one reason to attend one of these events.
With summer holidays nearing the end, you children might be waiting to attend one last event before they go back to schools.
Here, we take a look at four free and fun things to do in Basingstoke this weekend.
Please comment below if you know any free event in town that is not featured here.
Basingstoke Festival of Transport
When: Sunday, August 22
Where: War Memorial Park
Basingstoke Festival of Transport (BFoT) is returning to the town this weekend after a 16-month break due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The show is expected to feature more than 700 vehicles and attract around 20,000 people.
The festival will have vehicle displays, stalls, autojumble, children’s entertainment, food and drink.
This year’s festival is organised jointly by the Thornycroft Society and Basingstoke Deane Rotary and supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
The festival will be free to attend for public, but there will be a £2-charge for the car park which is accessed from London Road.
You can enter the festival from 11am to 4pm.
For more information, visit www.bstokefot.co.uk, or enquire at 01256 597463.
PAW Patrol Brick Live Tour
When: Friday, Aug 20 to Tuesday, August 3
Where: Festival Place
This fun-filled trail is hosted in the town for 12 days. You can collect your trail map from the Festival Place customer lounge, or download here, and follow the trail around the centre to find your kids’ favourite characters, including Chase, Marshall, Skye and the whole gang.
You can post your trail maps, in the dedicated customer lounge prize post box, to be in with a chance of winning the family fun bundle, featuring prizes from Coal Kitchen, Vue Cinema and PAW Patrol goodies from The Entertainer and Build-a-Bear.
Musication Station
When: Saturday-Sunday, August 21-22
Where: Basingtoke Sports Centre, Festival Place
The Musication Station is a free event that gives you a go at playing guitar, bass, electric drums, ukulele, keyboards and more, no matter what your level of experience is.
There is also the opportunity to take part in workshops such as vegetable orchestra, digital music-making, vocal jam and song in a day from SoCo Music Project- all free.
Staff will be at hand to discuss any specific needs you may have.
Hampshire Open Studios
When: August 21-31
Where: Multiple venues
With over 250 venues open, Hampshire Open Studios is an annual art trail where the public can visit artists during the ten days leading up to the bank holiday on Monday, August 30.
Art enthusiasts have a chance to visit Basingstoke artists in their homes, studios and galleries free of charge.
Visitors can also enter a prize draw to win £100 towards artwork from your favourite Hampshire Open Studios artist.
For the trail map, access information and opening times for each venue in your area, visit the Hampshire Open Studios website www.hampshireopenstudios.org.uk.
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