FAMILLIES across the borough will be able to enjoy a host of free activities in the centre of Basingstoke this summer.

With the summer holidays here, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will be hosting Fri-yay Fun - a jam-packed programme of family fun between 11am and 3pm every Friday throughout August in the War Memorial Park and Top of the Town.

Start the school holidays by supporting small and independent businesses with the return of the Borough Basket Street Market between 11am and 4.30pm on Friday, July 29.

On Friday August 5 and coinciding with Love Parks Week, families can explore their wild side with free activities and workshops throughout the day hosted by the council’s Natural Environment team.

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And explore ‘Bees! The Colony’ by Artizani, an installation of bee hives beautifully handmade with copper roofs and corners. Audiences can wander amongst the honey-perfumed Bee colony, occasionally cloaked in smoke, finding a variety of ways to view and interact with the contents. Performances will take place between 11am and 12.30pm and 1.30pm and 3pm.

On Friday, August 12, enjoy Fusion Extreme’s BMX Jump Box show which launches world class professional riders into the air to perform breathtaking stunts. Expect back flips, front flips, supermans, tailwhips, 360 and 720 spins. The team will also be holding workshops throughout the day for young people to give BMXing a go.

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Simon Bound said: “With the school holidays nearly upon us and the rising cost of living hitting families hard, many parents will be looking at what they can do to keep their kids entertained and not break the bank. 

“We are delighted to bring you a fantastic range of free and fun activities throughout the town centre and in one of the borough’s most-loved parks. Not only will it offer a great free day out for all the family but we hope the activities will inspire families with new ideas for activities they could enjoy together throughout the summer."  

Redisents can also join Provision Events between 11am and 3pm in Market Place with their baseball, tennis and cricket simulator. This is suitable for any ability.

Inspired by the lasting legacy of the 2012 London Olympics, watch Same Difference Arts’ Wonky Olympics show in War Memorial Park at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm on Friday 19 August. Paying tribute to their hero, the noble Lord Coe, two hapless PE teachers have decided to recreate the games with some cones, hula hoops and a tiny megaphone. This is a comedic act that will get you moving.

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Fancy a game of table tennis? Join Joe Garbett Dance’s show ‘Doubles’ in Market Place with performances at 12 noon to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 2pm. This colourful show features a tennis table which members of the public can play on from 11am to 3pm.

Bringing August to a close, there will be lots of fun activities on offer alongside the Borough Basket Street Market which takes place between 11am and 4.30pm on Market Place on Friday, August 26.

Families can also enjoy a free nine-hole pop-up mini golf course on London Street every Friday throughout the month between 11am and 3pm.

For more information, please visit lovebasingstoke.co.uk.

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