BOROUGH SUCCESS AT TOURISM AWARDS
Jane Austen (1775-1817) on engraving from 1873. English novelist. Engraved by unknown artist and published in ”Portrait Gallery of Eminent Men and Women with Biographies”,USA,1873.
Basingstoke’s free summer outdoor arts festival has won an award from Tourism South East against tough competition.
Basingstoke Festival, a free family-friendly programme of summer events, won bronze in the Tourism Event/Festival of the Year Award at the Beautiful South Award ceremony this week.
Run by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in partnership with local and national artists and organisations, Basingstoke Festival has been running for 13 years and encourages residents and visitors to explore arts and culture through music, dance, visual art and street theatre performances.
The Beautiful South Awards celebrate the best of tourism and hospitality across south east England, with the festival facing competition from events held in Chichester, Romsey, Ardingly and Newport on the Isle of Wight.
The Tourism Event/Festival of the Year Award recognises organisers of memorable and immersive tourism events and festivals that contribute to the visitor economy.
Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “Every year Basingstoke Festival showcases the best local and national artists and champions work created specifically for new audiences. I’m delighted that the efforts of the team and volunteers, who work so hard to make it a success, have been recognised with this award.
“The festival provides a great opportunity for residents and visitors to explore something new, with music, dance, visual art and street theatre performances. Our vibrant arts and culture offer is part of what makes Basingstoke and Deane a great place to live, work and visit and we are already busy planning a fantastic festival for everyone to enjoy in 2025.”
Organisations from elsewhere in the borough were also celebrating multiple wins at the awards. Whitchurch Silk Mill won gold in their category for Café/tea room of the Year and a bronze award for Small Attraction. Oakley Hall won gold for Wedding Venue of the Year and a bronze for Large Hotel of the Year and their Glasshouse restaurant scooped bronze for Restaurant of the Year.
Cllr Morrow continued: “Congratulations to Whitchurch Silk Mill and Oakley Hall for their successes at the awards. It shows that our local business owners and attractions take pride in what they do and offer an excellent experience to visitors.”
Basingstoke Festival will return in summer 2025 with more original performances across dance, music, street theatre and visual arts. Find out more by visiting www.BasingstokeFestival.co.uk
