Join us this February half term for a series of fun events designed for children of all ages! Arts and crafts, a children’s disco and mindful storytelling sessions are just some of the enjoyable family activities in the town centre.

In partnership with the local Top of the Town businesses, Love Basingstoke will be hosting a series of fun and educational events for visitors, locals, shoppers and their families. All sessions are free, just bring your positive vibes and lots of energy to take part!

Activities schedule

Events are taking place on Monday 21 to Sunday 27 February, between 11am and 3pm every day. Some workshops might run until 4pm – please check relevant timetables.

Monday 21 February

Willows Coffee House – Wildflower seed bombs

Head to Willows Coffee House to create your own wildflower seed bombs with Lizzy Price and brighten up your garden just in time for spring.

Gabardine Bar – Candle making

Join local artist, Laura Fisher at Gabardine Bar. Laura will hold various workshops during the spring half term week for our younger friends, teaching them how to make their own personalised candles. Sessions are limited – to avoid any disappointments, please email us at towncentre@basingstoke.gov.uk to book your place.

Tuesday 22 February

Willows Coffee House – Tin can plant pots

Meet local artist Rachel and get creative! Why not recycle those plain tin cans into something cute and functional? Fill your pots with bulbs and seeds at Willows Coffee House and watch them blossom over.

Willows Coffee House – Haiku poetry

Creative writing and haiku poetry workshops with Lydia Thompson at Willows Coffee House.

Wednesday 23 February

The Dice Tower – Arts and crafts

Meet Stemmed Zine, a group of girls who are in STEM, and unleash your child’s inner scientist. Girls and boys will have the chance to create solar system fingerprint bookmarks and pipe cleaner constellations.

Gabardine Bar – Candle making

More candle making workshops with Laura Fisher, sign up at towncentre@basingstoke.gov.uk to secure your place.

Thursday 24 February

Market Place – Godzillatown

See Godzilla monsters wandering around Basingstoke’s Top of the Town… can you handle the fun?! Put on your Godzilla mask and enter the maze and find your way out! The paths in the maze are wide enough to accommodate prams and wheelchairs. https://www.wras.org.uk/home-2/godzillatown/

Royal Exchange – Let’s Dance!

Burn some energy and dance at the children disco, free face painting and other activities are included.

The Tea Bar – Get musical!

Interested in learning a new skill and having a go at playing a new musical instrument? Join the Anvil Arts’ Musication Station at The Tea Bar on Thursday.

Friday 25 February

Market Place – Brick by brick – fun with Lego

Basingstoke Brick Build sets up in Market Square on Friday with exciting Lego build challenges including timed tower and raceway. In sessions run by trained specialists children collaborate and communicate with each other, creating new friendships, through shared interests and building their confidence along the way. Check out the amazing display of Lego artwork at the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery.

Willows Coffee House – Be creative

Join Junk Jodie for an exciting mindful storytelling workshop.

Saturday 26 February

Musical Ruth at Market Place

Catch the amazing Sister Ruth in action with showings at 11am, 12noon and 2pm.

The madcap nun Sister Ruth performs all our favourite songs in surprising and hilarious renditions. The entertaining mobile piano act will go around Basingstoke town centre and we’re sure that it won’t disappoint or go unnoticed!

Sunday 27 February

Willows Coffee House – Poetry & creative writing workshops

And for our final day of events, to finish the week with a more relaxing activity, we’ve got poetry and creative writing workshops with Josh Dixon at the Willows Coffee House.

The programme of activities is supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the government’s Welcome Back Fund, Arts Council England and Without Walls.

For the most up-to-date information on times and activities, see our What’s On section or follow @LoveBasingstoke on Facebook and Instagram and @LoveBstoke on Twitter. This page will be regularly updated as more activities are confirmed.