ONE of the largest free-entry festivals in Basingstoke attracted thousands of people. 

This year's Hatch Warren Summer Festival was enjoyed by around 4,000 people on July 13, including Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr Dan Putty, newly elected MP, Luke Murphy, and councillors, Paul Harvey, Samir Kotecha, and Stacy Hart.

Karen Coomber, event manager, said: "[I aim] to have events and activities that will appeal to all, young and not so young, with lots of free activities mixed in so that everyone can join in the fun."

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This year, the community enjoyed around 115 different activities at the ninth annual event held at Hatch Warren Community Centre, including bouncy castles, a Scouts game arena, a climbing wall, and a fascinating display of birds of prey.

A key element of the festival was the dog show, an event run by St Kitts in Brighton Hill.

Touching on plans for the festival's 10th year, Karen said: "Next year is going to be our 10th year of running this event, we will begin planning it, as we always do, in September.

"We are aiming to bring a wonderful day to the community once again."