Exciting arts, sports and festivals make for stronger communities
Basingstoke and Deane is a powerhouse of cultural, heritage and leisure activity and its diverse programming is a source of energy and community spirit. From a modern concert hall presenting renowned international symphony orchestras to the annual Basingstoke Festival and Love Basingstoke town centre events programme, there is enough on to uplift anyone.
The place boasts a wealth of sports and leisure clubs catering for a wide and diverse range of activities. From esports to indoor skydiving, our facilities have helped to produce athletes who compete successfully at national and international level, including in taekwondo, table tennis and dance.
“Basingstoke Academy of Dancing was established in the early 1970s and has grown to train thousands of dancers of all ages and abilities, also supporting many in their professional career development. “We are proud winners of the Dance School of the Year 2019 and Place to be Proud Of 2022. As part of Team England, we were delighted to have contributed to winning the overall Dance World Cup across 2017-2022. “Basingstoke is a thriving place for culture and sport, and we look forward to continuing the development of our dance community here.”
Tanya Schipelbaum and Charlotte West, Basingstoke Academy of Dancing
Did you know?
- Queen Mary’s College was the first esports facility in the UK to include a dedicated yoga room.
- The world-famous Bombay Sapphire Gin is produced locally in a quaint, former 18th century paper mill and exported to 120 countries. The historic distillery outside Whitchurch is an international visitor attraction.
- Highclere Castle, backdrop to the award-winning period drama Downton Abbey, is one of the finest Jacobethan homes still in existence.
- The international fashion brand Burberry has its roots in Basingstoke.
- Exit 6 Film Festival is an annual international event featuring independent short films from around the world.