It seems it isn’t going to be too difficult to fill up social calendars this year, so we have pulled together this handy guide to highlight some of our favourite things coming up in Basingstoke and Deane so you can save the dates and to provide useful information on how you can plan your own events in the borough. 

Keep up to date with local events 

To find out about local events check Love Basingstoke what’s on for larger events in the borough and for everything else take a look at Destination Basingstoke. 

What’s On 

King’s Coronation: May 

There are a number of local events taking place to celebrate the King’s Coronation. Keep your eyes peeled on the Love Basingstoke What’s On closer to the date for confirmed details. 

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has specific street party guidance to give you an idea of things you need to consider if you are looking to plan your own party to celebrate.  The deadline for Coronation street party applications has now passed.

Basingstoke Festival of Transport: May 

Returning this May is Basingstoke Festival of Transport, a great day out for the whole family whether you are a keen motor buff or just looking for an enjoyable Sunday. You’ll find a huge range of vehicles on static display, including classic and vintage cars, lorries, buses, fire engines and military trucks. There will also be a variety of specialist car clubs, trade stalls and catering outlets. You’ll find this event in War Memorial Park on 14 May 2023. 

Comic Con Basingstoke: May 

Meet a whole host of star guests from your favourite sci-fi and fantasy shows like The Umbrella Academy and Supernatural at Basingstoke’s first ever Comic Con. Enjoy Q&A sessions, picture opportunities, and meet and greets with your favourite stars, as well as plenty of cosplay fun with fellow comic conners.  Happening from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 May 2023 at the Hampshire Court Hotel, Basingstoke. 

Magic of Thailand: June

Enjoy two days of Thai culture at Magic of Thailand on 10 and 11 June. Suitable for the whole family, you can challenge your taste buds and feast your eyes on fantastic food and spectacular performances. Over the weekend, you will experience Thai traditional dances from all regions, a Thai boxing demo, Thai costume fashion show, Thai music, Thai food, Thai massage, beer garden and childrens rides.

Basingstoke Festival: June and July 

The popular annual arts festival, Basingstoke Festival is back for 2023! Free fun for the whole family as Basingstoke Town Centre comes alive with dance, music, visual art and theatre – this really is the highlight in the events calendar this year and not to be missed. Save the dates from Friday 23 June to Sunday 9 July. The outdoor arts festival is in its twelfth year and the programme when revealed will be packed with vibrant, stunning outdoor arts with performances from the best of the arts locally, nationally, and internationally.  

Here are some of the highlights from Basingstoke Festival 2022.

Endless Summer VW Show: July 

Endless Summer will be back in War Memorial Park on Sunday 30 July 2023. Follow their Facebook page for details. 

Exit 6 Film Festival: September 

This annual short film festival hosted in Basingstoke, takes place in September and showcases short films and their makers from all over the world. A hybrid event with a week-long online festival programme following one incredible in-person festival day and night. 

Basingstoke Half Marathon and 10k: October

Known for the friendly welcome, traffic free roads and scenic course, this is a ‘must-do’ race for any runner. The course for the Basingstoke half marathon is a challenging one, incorporating some some legendary hills near Cliddesden and Farleigh Wallop, beautiful countryside and quaint villages. You will be able to take in fantastic views of some of Hampshire’s picturesque landscape and have a bird’s eye view of Basingstoke.

Planning your own events in Basingstoke and Deane 

Events are an important part of everyday community life bringing people closer together. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council land is used for all sorts of events and activities throughout the year, from community group BBQs to larger scale music and sporting events.  

Want to organise your own event? You will find lots of guidance documentation from Basingstoke and Deane which will help you understand the process of running an event and the costs involved. 

February 2023, updated April 2023