Record-breaking numbers turn out to Basingstoke Live

13 July 2010

Festival fever reached boiling point as thousands of people flocked to the War Memorial Park to enjoy a scorcher of a weekend at Basingstoke Live.

A record-breaking 30,000 people ventured out in the warm temperatures to take in two days of sizzling performances at the free music and dance festival.

This is the fourth year the festival, which is funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, has been held. The Basingstoke Live Forum - a group of local music and arts promoters who work in partnership with the council to stage the event - promised a bigger and better festival than ever before and it was delivered, signalling the festival has well and truly arrived!

From start to finish the four stages were packed with musical and dance entertainment from both talented local artists to more well known national and international acts. And there was something to suit all tastes with indie, rock, reggae, funk, jazz, MCs, DJs, acoustic music and dance all on offer.

With plenty of performance highlights throughout the weekend the main stage headliners had a lot to compete with but DJ crew the Scratch Perverts didn’t disappoint, sending the bumper crowds wild on a high energy Saturday. Rising stars Lucky Soul ended the weekend in style on a more relaxed family feel Sunday.

The weekend was also complemented by an exciting three week fringe programme which ran up to the event and featured performances in venues throughout the borough.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Culture Cllr Cathy Osselton said: “Basingstoke Live has gone from strength to strength and this year was no exception. More than 30,000 people turned out over a very hot weekend to make this the most successful festival yet. The success of this event is a tremendous credit to all of the promoters and our sponsors who have worked so hard to make this festival happen. I’m delighted that all of their efforts have paid off and that so many people came along to enjoy the entertainment.”

To see pictures and to find out more about Basingstoke Live visit www.basingstokelive.co.uk

You can also be kept in the loop by following Basingstoke Live on Twitter @twitter.com/basingstokelive or by joining the Basingstoke Live group on Facebook.