We are in full swing behind the scenes getting everything ready for this year’s Basingstoke Festival. It’s going to be a summer of creativity and celebration as Basingstoke Festival returns for its fourteenth year! Perhaps you’ve noticed some of our social media teasers and tasters, well here’s a little more about some of the things we have in store for you.
You will find shows popping up in Basingstoke town centre and across the borough over three weekends. We work hard to keep much of the programme free and as varied as possible for all ages to find something to enjoy. This year’s programme is no different – there is circus, dance, acrobatics, street theatre and more, it’s weird, wacky and wonderful!
New for this year’s programme only, the fantastic NoFit State will be pitching up their Big Top Tent in War Memorial Park with their award-winning large-scale circus spectacular SABOTAGE for 10 whole days throughout the festival, from Friday 20 to Sunday 29 June 2025. These performances are ticketed and can be booked at: https://www.nofitstate.org/shows/sabotage-basingstoke/
Also new for this year, pop into the Basingstoke Festival Eco-zone. This year’s festival supports a summer of all things green as we try to do our bit for the climate, highlighting issues through new shows by local artists Scratchbuilt Productions and Junk Jodie.
Autin Dance Theatre return with their brand-new experience ‘Up in the Sky!’ A unique show blending aerial dance, dynamic storytelling, and flying props to captivate audiences of all ages. A breathtaking performance not to be missed, exploring themes of resilience and hope. Witness dynamic aerial choreography and captivating storytelling on a striking seven-metre truss structure in the heart of our town centre. The team who brought you Eko the Giant puppet in Out of the Deep Blue and the giant Wheel that travelled through the Top of the Town in Parade:The Giant Wheel, this new show will see over 200 young people join in the opening performance.
Other returning festival favourites include:
- Tit for Tat who had us on a mission to protect literature during last year’s festival
- Simple Cypher who performed their feel-good, family-friendly show Roll Model at Eastrop Park in 2023
- LAStheatre who had us clapping our pans in 2022 at Rascally Diner
This year keep an eye out for debut performances from Harvey Juggling, Chad Taylor Dance and Farm Yard Circus.
Alongside national and international acts, we are incredibly proud to support local artists, home-grown in Basingstoke and Deane.
- Join Scratchbuilt Productions, Becky Kitter and over 500 young people from across Basingstoke in a colourful spectacular of movement and sound as they celebrate all things nature and the environment at the festival opening parade.
- Junk Jodie will be premiering her new show BEE Insect-AZING
- Basingstoke Heritage Society, Debbie Reavell will lead a historic walking tour focussing on one of our more famous residents, Jane Austen.
We’re also continuing to take the festival beyond the town centre – so get ready to explore pop-up performances and surprise encounters in parks, villages and public spaces you might not expect.
The full programme is coming very soon. So, get the dates in your diary, tell your family, remind your mates, and maybe even invite someone who’s never experienced the festival magic before. Let’s make this summer one to remember!
We can’t wait to see you out there!
Basingstoke Festival May 2025
Basingstoke Festival is part of Without Walls, a network of organisations bringing innovative outdoor arts to towns and cities across England. Find out more on withoutwalls.uk.com.
