THE organisers of Hampshire OctoberFest hope the event will be a chance for residents to come together and raise a glass to the Queen’s remarkable life.

In spite of the name, the Hampshire OctoberFest is all set to take place on September, 16 and 17.

The event supports a wide range of local businesses and many small breweries, so organisers Destination Basingstoke are keen to go ahead, even at this sad time.

Tickets remain on sale online right up to the end of the event and everyone is encouraged to buy their tickets before they leave home. There will be a limited number of tickets available on the door too, but best to buy in advance to save money and to be sure.

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The weekend kicks off on Friday afternoon from 3pm when you can be sure of the best selection of real ales with an gentle start to the music from around 5pm with Riley K who then goes on the compere the rest of the evening’s bands: Three Days Out, Tomorrow’s Retro, The Whispering Pines  and culminating with Johnny Marvel’s Blues Groove specialising in old-school rhythm ‘n’ blues, soul and good-time rock n roll, featuring the coolest tunes and hottest grooves from the 60s, 70s and beyond.

On Saturday the doors open at midday with acoustic music for a chilled vibe through the afternoon featuring a some up and coming singer songwriters starting with Marley Garrard followed by River Jay stone, AleX, Beyond the Sons, High Tide Royals, Crisis Averted, Whisper Through Walls, Buds, So Close and the evening finishing on a high with Skangsters performing their ska and soul music to really get you moving. Saturday’s line up is compered by Chris Holden and Max Toogood.

There is an incredible selection of over 130 real ales and craft beers as well as 25 ciders and a selection of wines, fizz, gins and an exciting range of non-alcoholic drinks too.

The bars will be cashless so bring your payment cards. Parking is in the town car parks with the Southern Road car park only 200 metres from the entrance.

The Hampshire OctoberFest is staged at the Basingstoke Sports and Social Club on Fairfield Road in the Top of Town. More details and to buy tickets visit hampshireoctoberfest.co.uk

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The Hampshire OctoberFest is organised and managed by Destination Basingstoke in partnership with North Hampshire CAMRA, the Basingstoke Sports and Social Club with sponsorship from Vistry Thames Valley that brings together Bovis Homes and Linden Homes and Liberty-I which will provide free wi-fi on site during the festival.