Four brand-new imaginative experiences created by local artists will make their debut at this year’s Basingstoke Festival, thanks to a funding boost from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. 

The shows have all been developed through the borough’s Creative Incubator Fund, which was launched in October 2025 to spark new artistic work and support collaboration between local and visiting creatives.  

Delivered by the Basingstoke and Deane Cultural Compact, the fund has supported artists to grow new ideas and strengthen the borough’s creative scene – with all four projects premiering at Basingstoke Festival this summer.  

Running over three weekends from Friday 19 June to Sunday 5 July, the festival returns for its 15^th year with a packed programme of performances full of fun,?energy?and more opportunities to take part than ever before. 

Each of the four Creative Incubator Fund-supported projects brings something unique to the festival programme. 

Scratch Built Productions’ Magical Toy Hospital will transform a shop unit into a playful, immersive experience using puppetry to bring toys to life, inviting families to step inside a 'hospital' where much-loved companions are cared for and repaired.  

Festival favourite Junk Jodie will return with her new show Fashion-IFFICENT – a colourful, eco-inspired fashion adventure featuring music, storytelling and hands-on creative activities, celebrating sustainable style and creativity for all ages. 

Tit for Tat Circus will entertain crowds with Disorder of Knights, its lively circus show packed with merriment and madness, combining absurd comedy, community games and reimagined ideas of chivalry in a high-energy outdoor performance.  

And Emma Callow presents The Light Lab: Exhibition and Play Space, an interactive experience where visitors can explore art, science and technology through light-based activities, encouraging curiosity and creativity for children, families and adults alike.  

Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “It’s fantastic to see these brilliant ideas brought to life right here in our borough. Through the Creative Incubator Fund, we’ve been able to support local artists to develop their work and take it from an idea into something really special for everyone to enjoy.   

“What makes this even more exciting is that residents can experience these shows for the very first time at Basingstoke Festival. It’s a real celebration of the creativity we have on our doorstep – something which we are very proud of.” 

Find out more at www.BasingstokeFestival.co.uk