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.

Following a hat-trick of successful events, the two day music and dance festival will be back for its fourth year promising a match-stopping line up to suit all tastes. Four stages will be packed with musical and dance entertainment on 10 and 11 July and a three week fringe festival will provide the perfect run up to the weekend event.

Headlining on the main stage on Saturday 10 July will be DJ crew the Scratch Perverts. The collective of turntablist DJs has gained widespread acclaim over the years and is currently touring and holding a residency at the nightclub Fabric in London. Following rave national reviews of their new album Coming of Age, rising stars Lucky Soul will headline the main stage on Sunday 11 July.

The free festival, which is funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, will be held in the War Memorial Park in Basingstoke over the weekend. It is organised by the Basingstoke Live Forum – a group of local music and arts promoters who work in partnership with the council – so the event offers a chance to sample fantastic music from both talented local artists, as well as more well known national and international acts.

Main Stage Dance and music including rock, acoustic and MCs
100% Tent For your guitar driven bands, indie, rock, metal, ska
Sunrise Stage Saturday is for MCs and DJs
On Sunday reggae, funk, jazz and northern soul
Unplgd! Stage Chill out with acoustic music

If you can’t wait for the main event, there will be an exciting fringe programme from Saturday 19 June featuring performances in venues throughout the borough. This is run by the community, for the community, and is well worth getting involved in. Check out www.basingstokelive.co.uk for more details.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Culture Cllr Cathy Osselton said: “Basingstoke Live has gone from strength to strength and this year we are looking forward to holding the most successful and enjoyable festival yet. With such a mix of music, art and dance played across the weekend from rock to pop and funk to DJs, there will be something to appeal to everyone’s taste.”

Be the first to hear about all the acts lined up for this great event and more news about the festival and fringe programme by logging on to www.basingstokelive.co.uk

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

Release Date: 17/05/2010