Over 150,000 people were attracted to Basingstoke town centre events, run or supported by the borough council, in the last year, boosting visitor numbers to support traders and keep the area thriving.

Offering free opportunities for residents to explore culture and activities for families to enjoy together, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s annual line-up of events attracted over 44,110 people to the town centre, including the Top of the Town and Eastrop and War Memorial parks since November 2024. This includes popular events such as Basingstoke Festival, Let’s Glow, Listen Up and half term activities.

Alongside these events, the council managed 53 event applications in the last year and supported several groups and organisations to hold events on council-owned land. This includes firm favourites such as the Transport Festival, Pride and Diwali, bringing over 100,000 people to Basingstoke town centre.

Leader Cllr Paul Harvey said: “We are focused on doing everything we can to ensure our town centre is a vibrant place that brings people together, as part of our targeted action for the area. Our events play a key role in this and I have seen first hand how they give people of all ages the chance to enjoy new experiences, from watching visual arts and performances for the first time to spending quality family time together.

“It has been great to hear from businesses, particularly at the Top of the Town, that these events are helping to boost trade. There is still plenty more to enjoy in the coming months, including Festive Friday and the return of Let’s Glow in February, and I would encourage everyone to support our local businesses when in the town centre.”

Residents and visitors can find out about events and activities taking place in Basingstoke town centre and the wider borough on the website www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk.

More information on how to apply to hold an event on council land is available at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/events.