Let's Glow is a free magical, family friendly event that will light up Basingstoke's top of the town and War Memorial Park with captivating lights and interactive installations this Winter.
When is Let's Glow
Let's Glow is a three day free event from Thursday 19 to Satuday 21 February.
Where does it take place?
The trail runs across War Memorial Park and the Top of the Town in Basingstoke town centre. See our accessibility page for detailed trail locations.
Getting here
By car:
Basingstoke town centre is conveniently located just off junctions 6 and 7 of the M3, making it easily accessible from nearby towns and cities. You can also reach Basingstoke via the A339 from Newbury and Oxford or the A33 from Reading.
Driving times include:
- Reading and Newbury: Around 40 minutes
- Andover: Approximately 30 minutes
- Hook: Just 15 minutes away
There are a number of car parks in Basingstoke town centre. You will find disabled parking bays in all of these. Central Car Park has a number of parent and child bays too. If you have an electric vehicle then Feathers Yard is dedicated to electric vehicle parking only. Details of other electric charging places can be found here. Festival Place has a large multistorey car park and is well located if you plan to use the restaurants whilst you are visiting.
By train:
Basingstoke is well connected by direct trains from London Waterloo, Winchester, Reading, Oxford, Southampton, and Portsmouth.
- London Waterloo to Basingstoke: Around 1 hour
- Winchester, Reading, or Andover to Basingstoke: Approximately 15 minutes
The train station is just a 10-minute walk to Market Place, the heart of the Let’s Glow trail.
By bus:
The bus station, located next to Festival Place, is also within walking distance of the event. From the bus station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Market Place. Bus services within the borough are run by Stagecoach.
By bicycle:
Basingstoke town centre offers several convenient spots to park your bicycle but remember to bring your own lock. To find secure bike parking near Market Place, check out the interactive map and select "Willis Museum" as your point of interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
It’s completely free! Let’s Glow is part of the Love Basingstoke events programme, which offers free events across Basingstoke and Deane.
Do I need a ticket?
No tickets are needed for the Let’s Glow light trail—simply turn up and enjoy the experience!
Is the trail covered?
No, the trail is outdoors, so make sure you dress for the weather.
What if the weather is bad?
The event will go ahead even in the rain, so wrap up warm and bring some waterproofs! You can always pop into one of the restaurants or bars at the Top of Town after to dry off, warm up and grab a bite to eat or something to drink.
We recommend you keep an eye on our Facebook page for regular updates.
Do you allow dogs?
Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to join you.
Is Let’s Glow wheelchair friendly?
The trail is wheelchair friendly with all interactive touch points positioned at a height in consideration of wheelchair users. Most of the trail is on paved/tarmac paths.
Find out more accessibility information.
Will strobe lighting be used?
No strobe lighting is being used.
Will food and drink be available?
The trail takes place throughout the top of the town so we encourage you to support them. You’ll find some wonderful independent restaurants and coffee shops at here including Gabardine and the Tea Bar. Festival Place is also home to more than 20 mouth-watering eateries including Five Guys, Pizza Express and The Cosy Club.
I need help at the event, what should I do?
Should you need further information at the event or become separated from your family please speak to one of the Let’s Glow events stewards in pink high-vis vests. You will find one of the stewards at each of the trail point locations throughout the event to assist visitors.
There will be a Love Basingstoke event information point along the trail route at War Memorial Park (this will be a Love Basingstoke branded gazebo) The information point will be located off the London Road entrance to War Memorial Park (entrance nearest the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Civic Offices) Head to the Information Point for any help you need at the event, you can also leave event feedback and pick up a flyer about our upcoming events this year. Please do highlight the Love Basingstoke gazebo and stewards in pink high-vis vests to your family/ friends should you become separated during the trail.
I’m not local, where can I stay?
If you are from out of the area and are looking to stay take a look at the hotels and bed & breakfasts in the area on our website.
Can I take photographs?
Absolutely the more, the merrier. Don’t forget to share them with us on social media using #LoveBasingstoke.
Will there be any photography or videography?
There will be official videography and photography during the event to use for our publicity purposes and evaluation. If you do not want a close-up image of you to be used in any publicity material for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council or Love Basingstoke please make the official photographer aware on the day (they will be wearing a photography high-vis) or contact via:
e-mail communications@basingstoke.gov.uk or,
telpehone 01256 845220
Still have a question?
Drop us an email hello@lovebasingstoke.co.uk and we will do our best to answer it.
Let's Glow 2026
Suitable for all ages, Let’s Glow is the perfect pick me up during February.
