Basingstoke Music and Arts Festival

05/10/2026

What a fantastic time we had at ‘Listen Up’ last weekend! 🎶
We were treated to some absolutely superb performances from some of our wonderfully talented musicians. A huge thank you to everyone who came along to play, and to all those who came down to support the performers. Your enthusiasm and encouragement really helped make the event such a lovely occasion!

27/09/2026

We’re delighted to announce that the Basingstoke Music & Arts Festival 2027 Syllabus is now available! 🎶🎭✨

It’s time to start thinking about what you might like to enter for next year’s Festival. Whether you’re a seasoned Festival performer or have never entered before, we’d love to welcome you.

From piano and strings to singing, woodwind, ensembles, popular music, speech & drama and creative writing, there’s something for everyone!

The Festival is about much more than winning a trophy. It’s a chance to perform, gain confidence, share your talent, meet other performers and receive valuable feedback from experienced adjudicators, all in a friendly and supportive Festival.

Please share the syllabus with your friends, family, teachers, music groups, drama groups, choirs and anyone else who might enjoy taking part. You never know who might discover a new love of performing and writing by giving it a go.

Please note the closing date for entries is Friday 15th January 2027.

See you at the Festival!

26/09/2026

Looking for something fun to do this afternoon?

From 2pm–5pm TODAY, we’ll be filling the Top of Town with fantastic live performances from some of our talented festival participants. 🎤🎻🎺
Come along, bring your family and friends, grab a coffee, enjoy the atmosphere and, most importantly, give our performers the audience they deserve! 👏👏👏
Whether you’re a festival regular or have never been to one of our events before, everyone is welcome!

24/09/2026

We have a selection of previous entrants performing outside the NatWest Bank at the top of town as part of this event.
Come down and support us, we would love to see you! Saturday 2-5pm 🎶

📢Listen Up! There's one week to go📢

Just 7 days until Listen Up brings a day of free live music to the Top of the Town, Basingstoke town centre.

Saturday 26 September from 2pm.

Wander between venues or stay in one spot.

📍 Venues from 2pm
Royal Exchange | Laarsen's | The Wote Street Club

📍 Venues from 8pm til late
The Tea Bar | The White Hart

Grab a lanyard on the day and check venue posters for timings.

Free entry. No tickets. No booking. Just turn up and enjoy
For more information visit:
https://www.lovebasingstoke.co.uk/events/listen-up

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Royal Exchange Basingstoke Laarsens Basingstoke The Wote Street Club The White Hart Basingstoke - Top of Town The Tea Bar RB Music

10/09/2026

* In Memory of Zeb Strudwick *

Today, we remember Zeb Strudwick, whose funeral took place today, and send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him.

Zeb was a valued member of the Basingstoke Music & Arts Festival family, serving as Section Secretary for our String Section during 2023–24.
We are incredibly grateful for the time, commitment and support Zeb gave to the Festival.
Our Section Secretaries play such an important role in making BMAF happen, and Zeb’s contribution will always be remembered with great affection and appreciation.

Zeb was a talented violinist and composer, and in his memory, we will be introducing a new trophy, creating a lasting tribute to him and celebrating the qualities and achievements of future festival participants.
We hope that this new trophy will ensure that Zeb’s name remains part of the Festival for many years to come, and that his memory will continue to inspire others.

We would also like to share a fundraising page for the National Autistic Society, for anyone who would like to make a donation in Zeb’s memory.

From everyone at Basingstoke Music & Arts Festival, our thoughts are with Zeb’s family and friends at this very sad time.
Rest in peace, Zeb. You will be remembered. 🎻💙

Help Liv Powar raise money to support National Autistic Society

08/07/2026

We are proud to announce that this year's Basingstoke Music and Arts Festival Young Artist Grant has been awarded to an exceptional young cellist!

Samuel studies cello with James Halsey and composition with Bushra El-Turk at the Royal College of Music Junior Department. He was awarded the Roger Tapping Shield, the overall adjudicator's choice in the string section of the Basingstoke Music and Arts Festival, in both 2025 and 2026. He has also performed at music festivals and participated in masterclasses across the country.

As a composer, he won the New Sailing Sounds Competition, run in association with the Purcell School and the Met Office, in 2025. More recently, he was awarded the 2026 Elgar Festival Young Composers' Prize, and his composition was performed in concert at Worcester Cathedral.

Samuel is very much looking forward to attending the VIVA Strings Advanced Chamber Music Course this summer to further develop his ensemble skills and is incredibly grateful to the Basingstoke Music and Arts Festival for its generous Young Artist Grant towards this opportunity.

Photograph: Samuel playing the Elgar Cello Concerto on top of the Malvern Hills earlier this summer.

26/05/2026

This week's is Basingstoke Music and Arts Festival!

This is a friendly music and arts festival located in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

Basingstoke Music and Arts Festival was established in 1963 and is organised annually by a small group of dedicated volunteers.

26/05/2026

That’s us!

27/04/2026

Don’t forget, if you scored 87 marks or more in a solo class at our 2026 festival you can apply for our Grant! More details including the criteria can be found on our website.
Applications must be completed by 1st May.

17/04/2026

This promises to be a wonderful concert, with several of our BMAF committee members performing as part of Deane Sinfonia. We’d love to see you there!