Basingstoke’s popular Let’s Glow event dazzled judges to win an award from Tourism South East against tough competition.

Run by Love Basingstoke and funded by the council, the free interactive light trail in Basingstoke’s Top of the Town and War Memorial Park, won bronze in the Tourism Event/Festival of the Year Award at the Beautiful South Award ceremony held on Tuesday 9 December.

In February, the third annual Let’s Glow attracted over 15,000 people to Basingstoke town centre with a magical event featuring immersive experiences in Market Place, Wote Street and Cross Street and throughout War Memorial Park.

The Beautiful South Awards celebrate the best of tourism and hospitality across south east England, with Let’s Glow facing strong competition from the New Forest and Hampshire County Show, the Kent & East Sussex Railway and the Army Flying Museum.

The Tourism Event/Festival of the Year Award recognises organisers of memorable and immersive tourism events and festivals that contribute to the visitor economy.

Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “For the last three years Let’s Glow is a free magical experience that brings families and friends from the borough, and further afield, together to enjoy our town centre. It was an incredible, interactive experience and it was great to see so many people enjoying the event.

“Huge congratulations to the team for making this such a success and work is already underway to make sure Let’s Glow in February doesn’t disappoint.”

Elsewhere in the borough Oakley Hall Hotel were also celebrating, as the hotel was commended in the Large Hotel of the year category.

Cllr Morrow continued: “These awards demonstrate that our local business owners and attractions take pride in what they do and offer an excellent experience for visitors coming to Basingstoke and Deane. Congratulations to Oakley Hall Hotel for their success this year.

Let’s Glow will return on Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 February 2026 to illuminate the dark, February half-term evenings. Visitors can learn more about this and other local events and attractions by visiting www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk.