BASINGSTOKE Festival will return this summer, giving people the opportunity to explore circus, dance, music and street theatre in unusual places.

Across three weekends between Friday, June 21 and Sunday, July 7 audiences will be able to enjoy performances from a mix of national and local acts exploring themes such as history, time, the environment and science.

Funded and programmed by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Basingstoke Festival will have something for everyone to enjoy in the town centre as well as other communities across the borough.

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Topping the bill will be acts such as Pravaas by Akademi, which uses dance to show how human movement is prompted by climate change, and Teabreak by Trigger, which will offer audiences a cup of chai while they explore the history of tea.

For those who have wanted to try their hand at being a DJ, the Working Boys’ Club Serving Sounds show will be found in a pop-up street sound bar.

Families can also enjoy local artist Becky Kitter's new performance, The Bonkers Balloon Science Show, which will bring science to life and inspire the next generation of Basingstoke scientists. They can also help the Orchestra of Objects build a temporary sound garden in Basingstoke or marvel at the giant Slinkies that Bedlam Oz bring to Basingstoke town centre as part of its dance show, FAMILIE.

Local artist Junk Jodie will return to the festival with a new environmental show, Tree-TASTIC, highlighting the importance of saving trees and protecting the rainforests from destruction.  

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Local street theatre artist Sarah Thomas Lane will present her new show in Overton, Whitchurch, Tadley and Basingstoke town centre, featuring a female superhero travelling back in time.

Fit Up Productions will also be bringing Covent Garden and Edinburgh Festival’s best street performers to Basingstoke town centre with new street theatre and circus acts set to entertain audiences with daring performances featuring knife throwing and unicycles.

Cabinet member for sports, leisure and culture, Cllr Kerry Morrow, said: "This year's programme is already shaping up to bring fun to Basingstoke town centre and other areas across the borough this summer.

"The festival champions new work created specifically for new audiences and supports the development of new art.

"We want everyone to be able to enjoy arts and culture so with lots of opportunities to get involved, put the dates in your diaries so you don't miss out.”

More information can be found at basingstokefestival.co.uk.