THERE is lots more free arts and family fun to enjoy during the second weekend of the Basingstoke Festival.

The popular annual festival showcasing arts in unusual places has returned this summer with outdoor theatrical productions, breath-taking street theatre and music and dance performances in the town centre.

Following a colourful and dynamic opening weekend, the festival returns this weekend (Saturday July, 2 and Sunday July, 3).

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Cllr Simon Bound, leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “It was great to see people of all ages enjoying the fantastic line-up of free activities and performances during the first weekend of the festival.

“This weekend promises to bring another excellent and diverse programme of outdoor arts and performances. Whether you want to enjoy some family fun, a historical walking tour with a comedic twist or something more relaxing, you are sure to have a great day out for free.”

Brought to residents by Talawa Theatre Company, The Tide explores the experiences of migration within the UK and celebrates British culture. Performances will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 12.30pm and 3.30pm at Eastrop Park.

On Saturday between 11am and 4pm at Eastrop Park there will also be a positive piece of outdoor art encouraging people to reflect and the have the hope to move forward.

Do What Yah Mamma Told Yah! is a feast of food fusion and storytelling across geography and generations all in a vibrant comedy circus show. Performances take place at 12 noon and 3pm in London Street throughout the weekend.

Everybody clap your pans – it’s time for The Rascally Diner, a joyful performance for families with children aged five and over. This show explores the joy of food in a messy, silly and fantastic production that will make all squirm with delight. Enjoy performances at 11.30am and 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday in Cross Street.

Are you interested in finding out more about the borough? Join Well Red Comedy on The Pretty Sure Tour and laugh a lot and learn a little on this historical walking tour like no other. Meet at the Triumphal Gates in London Street from 1pm and 3.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, join The Stylists brought to you by Scratchbuilt Productions at 10.30am, 1pm and 3pm throughout the town centre. The Stylists started their careers peddling designer clothing. You can’t miss their colourful creations made with help from local primary schools and community groups.

For something a bit more relaxing join local storyteller Josh Dixon for a brand new tale ‘The Queen’s Sheep’. This light-hearted, comical story told in rhyme features a flock of mischievous sheep and their crazy antics in London with none other than Her Majesty, The Queen. Suitable for a family audience and children aged four and above.

Alternatively people can work with Louise Hight Arts on some sheep-themed creations to take home. There will be bunting and cards a-plenty for people to decorate and you can help create one of The Queen’s very own sheep in red, white and blue ribbons. Activities will take place throughout the afternoon on Sunday at Eastrop Park.

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Basingstoke Festival is a partner in Without Walls, working with festivals and artists to bring outdoor arts to people in towns and cities across the UK. The Together Parade has been funded by Arts Council England, awarding funds from The National Lottery.

For more information on Basingstoke Festival and how to take part, visit basingstokefestival.co.uk or follow @BasingstokeFestival on Facebook and @BstokeFestival on Twitter and Instagram.

The website will be regularly updated as more acts are confirmed.

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