Unleash your creative side

Have you been inspired by Basingstoke Festival or are feeling creative?

Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, meet like-minded people or simply try something different, Basingstoke has plenty of creative groups and classes to get involved in. From painting and photography to singing and amateur theatre, there’s something for every interest and ability.

Art and craft classes

If you’ve always wanted to learn to draw or paint, Azure Art Academy offers weekly Monday classes at Ridgeway Community Centre. Led by local artist Liam Kelleher, the 10-week courses are suitable for complete beginners as well as more experienced artists. You’ll learn fundamental drawing and painting techniques while experimenting with a range of mediums including watercolour, acrylic and charcoal. 

Creative Art Classes also offers welcoming sessions for adults of all abilities, from complete beginners to improvers. Held at Viables Community Centre, each class focuses on a different project and medium, including graphite, charcoal, watercolour, acrylic, gouache and soft pastels. Sessions begin with a tutor demonstration before students receive individual guidance throughout the class.

Fancy trying something a little different? Hampshire School of Jewellery and Bumble and Bee both run jewellery-making workshops that are suitable for beginners.

If knitting is more your style, Knit and Knatter at Tadley Library is a friendly, informal group that meets every other Friday from 10am until 12noon. Bring along your own wool, needles and pattern, then enjoy crafting alongside knitters of all ages and abilities.

Photography

Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience behind the lens, Kingsclere Photography welcomes photographers of all skill levels. The club meets on the first Wednesday of every month, providing a relaxed environment to improve your photography skills, share ideas and enjoy the hobby with others.

Join a choir

Love to sing? There are several welcoming choirs across Basingstoke, whether you’re looking for a casual group or a more traditional performing choir.

Sing for Fun rehearses on Mondays at Proteus Creation Space and, as the name suggests, the emphasis is on enjoying yourself. There’s no audition required and new members can book a free taster session before joining.

If you’re interested in performing regularly, Basingstoke Choral Society rehearses most Wednesday evenings at The Vyne School and performs at The Anvil throughout the year. Prospective members are encouraged to get in touch or attend a rehearsal to find out more.

Sing Now Choir meets every Wednesday at Popley Fields Community Centre. The friendly group welcomes new members and offers free taster sessions for anyone wanting to give singing a try.

For men looking to join a choir, Basingstoke Male Voice Choir mix traditional and contemporary music while raising money for local charities. The choir meets every Wednesday at 7pm and welcomes new singers.

Amateur dramatics

If the stage is calling, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in local theatre. 

Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) welcomes new members and regularly stages productions throughout the year. Auditions are required for acting roles, but there are plenty of opportunities to get involved behind the scenes too.

Based in Overton, Overton Dramatic Society is a friendly community theatre group producing at least two shows each year. Anyone interested in joining can find more information through the society’s website.

For those looking to develop their theatre skills, The Proteans runs a welcoming adult community theatre workshop focused on creating and performing live theatre. Member also have the opportunity to attend Proteus professional performances. The group meets on Wednesday evenings.

If musical theatre is more your style, Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society brings together people passionate about singing, acting and dance to produce high-quality community performances. Alongside performers, the society is always looking for volunteers to help with scenery, props, costumes and make-up.

Dance

If you love to dance, then Basingstoke Academy of Dancing has a range of dance classes available for all ages. Based in Houndmills, they teach classes in ballet, street dance, musical theatre, modern, acrobatic arts and tap.

Fiesta Dance School offers different styles of adult dance classes including Latin American, salsa and ballroom. They cater to all dance levels of ability and focus on the fun and enjoyment of dance.  

According to Happy Feet Dance Academy ‘no one is ever too old to learn to dance’. They’ve been running adult tap and jazz classes for 25 years and welcome newcomers and those looking to refresh earlier dancing skills.  Their adult classes offer a welcoming and friendly environment and public performances and show participation is entirely optional. 

Know of any other classes or courses we can include? Please email us at hello@basingstoke.co.uk.

Please note the inclusion of any business within this listing should not be seen as an endorsement of their services. Whilst the information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.

Updated July 2026