Arts and culture

With some of the finest acoustics in the country, The Anvil has firmly established itself as one of the South’s leading venues for high quality live music.

Located in Basingstoke town centre and managed by a not-for-profit trust this prestigious concert hall offers a varied programme of classical, jazz, country, folk and popular music that has attracted, inspired and delighted audiences from far and wide. It is also a popular comedy venue and stages an annual panto season.

Orchestral music is the flagship function of The Anvil, specialising in big name soloists, conductors and composers. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performs regular concerts at The Anvil and delivers a series of education workshops within the borough.

Anvil Arts receives grant funding from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

For more information about what's on visit the Anvil Arts website or telephone 01256 844244.

The Anvil, Churchill Way, Basingstoke, RG21 7QR

View the disabled access guide for The Anvil.

Basingstoke Festival is a 17 day summer outdoor arts festival based in the borough of Basingstoke and Deane. It serves to showcase the very best of local arts talent alongside top UK and international artists and companies, additionally supporting and promoting a large number of ‘Festival in the Community’ events.

Basingstoke Festival is a partner in Without Walls, working with festivals and artists and bringing fantastic outdoor arts to people in towns and cities across the UK.

Find out more information by visiting the Basingstoke Festival website.

Central Studio is a small, state-of-the-art theatre located on Queen Mary’s College campus. The Studio hosts a wealth of events and performances including comedy, dance, professional theatre, live music, film and dance.

Facilities include a 130 seat auditorium, dance studios, four music rooms, and a recording studio which are all available for hire. Workshops on offer include youth theatre and dance.

For more information visit Central Studio website or contact 01256 418318.

Queen Mary's College, Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, RG21 3HF

The Haymarket theatre reopened in autumn 2007 after significant refurbishment, The Haymarket is now under the management of Anvil Arts. The venue offers a varied programme of theatre, drama and dance. The Haymarket receives grant funding from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

For more information about what's on visit the Haymarket Theatre website or telephone 01256 844244.

The Haymarket Theatre, Wote Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7NW

View the disabled access guide for The Haymarket.

The Viables Craft Centre is owned and managed by the council and is set on a four acre site which was originally the old Viables Farm. The farm buildings have been converted into workshops permanently occupied by individual craft specialists and creative industries. The site also includes a miniature steam railway, a restaurant and community facilities.

The is let to a variety of small enterprises and current trades include picture framing, art gallery, art classes, beauty salon, dressmaker, florist, handmade cards, textile artist, engravers and manufacturers of jewellery, pottery, furniture restoration, ceramics and glassware. There are a number of craft workshop classes available to both adults and children throughout the year.

Location: Viables Craft Centre can be found on the southern side of Basingstoke approximately three miles from the town centre and minutes from the A30, near to the A339 Alton Road and junction 6 of the M3. A location map can be found at the bottom of this page.

View the disabled access guide for Viables Craft Centre

Enquiries: Details of any available Craft Centre units can be found on the council's property to let page.

If you have a general enquiry about the Viables Craft Centre site please contact Property Services by emailing propertyservices@basingstoke.gov.uk or write to the following address:

Property Services
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
Civic Offices
London Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG21 4AH

The borough of Basingstoke and Deane is home to a vast collection of public art. Since1989 the council has followed a Percent for Art policy, encouraging developers to include art and craft in new developments and improvement schemes.

From sculptures to seating, and gates to glasswork, this has resulted in a vibrant range of public art which can be found across the borough. The brochure below provides an introduction to much of the work which is on public display.

Proteus is an award winning professional theatre company that believes the audience is as important as the artist. Quality, Integrity and Innovation are the values at the heart of all Proteus’ work, and the criteria by which the company judges its success.

The company collaborates with artists from a range of disciplines, such as visual art, film, music, puppetry, dance, photography, circus and magic to create its unique performances. It makes work for, and with, diverse communities from rural villages to socially excluded young people, creating amazing experiences, promoting and advancing education and enriching lives through the power of the performing arts.

Proteus Theatre Company is based at the Proteus Creation Space at Top of Town in an attractive Grade II listed building, where visitors can participate in a range of arts activities.

The Company receives grant funding from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

For more information about what's on visit Proteus Theatre website or telephone 01256 354541.

Proteus Creation Space, Council Road, Basingstoke, RG21 3DH

View the disabled access guide for Proteus Creation Space.