Basingstoke Observer Newspaper

Borough Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Culture, Cllr Cathy Osselton, said: “It will be hard to top last year's Basingstoke Live, which brought together music lovers of all ages. But this year's headline acts are set to be an even bigger draw.”

DJ Andy C was crowned Best DJ by website Drum and Bass Arena for six consecutive years.

The globetrotting musician was also ranked fourth in Mixmag's Greatest DJ Of All Time list.

The Blockheads, who supported Ian Dury for 34 years, will close the event. Still touring after Dury's death in 2007, the band will perform a number of the classics from their heyday including Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick and Sex And Drugs And Rock And Roll.

Cllr Osselton said: “It's great that Basingstoke is becoming known for this impressive free festival that offers such a mix of music, art and dance across the weekend from rock to pop and funk to DJs.

“The line up shows that there will really be something to appeal to everyone's taste.”

Basingstoke Live was launched in 2006 and has seen visitor numbers increase by 100 per cent year-on-year.

It is organised by the Basingstoke Live Forum, a group of music and arts promoters who work in partnership with the borough council.

A record-breaking 30,000 people turned out for the event, headlined by Scratch Perverts and Lucky Soul, in 2010.

This year’s festival will have four stages, a main stage, the 100% Tent, for metal and ska music, the Sunrise Stage for reggae and jazz, and the Unplgd! Stage, for acoustic music.

There will also be a two-week fringe festival in June and July.

Performances will be held in community venues throughout the borough and will showcase music, dance, and theatre from across the area.

For more information, visit www.basingstokelive.co.uk