LAST year’s event was a washout but families of all ages soaked up the sun at this year’s Kempshott Festival.

Thousands of people flocked to the fifth Kempshott Festival, which was held outside the village hall in Stratton Park, Basingstoke last Saturday.

The event was organised by Stephen Court, 28, who aims to pull in more than the £3,000 raised at the last event.

Performances from Kempshott Infant School, Rising Phoenix Cheerleading, and a Bollywood display by Balagokulam Basingstoke kept those attending the event, which was opened by the new Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Anne Court, entertained.

In addition, those at the event could sample crepes and Goulash from Inspero’s pop up cafe as well as buying plants from the charity.

People could also learn more about the new Mayor’s charities of the year – Inspero, Basingstoke Multicultural Forum and Ark Cancer Centre Charity.

All the proceeds from the event will be split between Marwell Wildlife, near Winchester, St Michael’s Hospice in Aldermaston Road and the Mayor’s charity appeal.

Stephen, who has a seven-year-old daughter and another child on the way, told The Gazette: “It has grown quite considerably. It is a really good community event which is supported by local people.

“We have tried to make it a bit different this year by incorporating lots of different organisations but we have still kept the people that have helped us grow like we have.”

The 28-year-old, who is a policeman, added: “We were rained off last year and washed out so it is hard to say how much we are going to raise. We have tried to cut the costs so we don’t have a marquee and no huge expense so everything raised is going purely to charity.”

Catherine Waters-Clark, the founder of Inspero which is based at the village hall, said: “It is a lovely event and it is lovely to have such good weather and all the families sitting on the grass with the kids enjoying themselves.

“We have had a lot of interest with people coming round the garden and they didn’t know the place was here or there were services available for children.”