This summer, The Big Festival Weekend will bring together the Get Active Sports Fair on the Saturday and Summer Sounds on Sunday
The sports fair is planned to provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about a whole range of sports with information and fun have-a-go sessions provided by over 25 local clubs and organisations. This year the park is expected to be packed with a range of activities to encourage everyone of whatever age or ability to Get Active. This will include have-a-go sessions, specific coaching skills, dance and movement, fun competitions, a climbing wall and even an outdoor ice rink.
In contrast Sunday 6 July will see a more relaxed atmosphere where people will be encouraged to spread blankets on the ground to be entertained by an eclectic mix of entertainers brought together under the heading of East meets West. The main stage will feature music by Atlantico, Los Albertos, the Zen Hussies and the Niteblues Steel Band. Other performances include the 30 strong crew of the innovative Brighton based Barulho playing a mixture of break beats, hip-hop, drum ‘n bass and Bhangra carnival beats, encouraging people onto their feet as they make their way around the park.
Walkabout acts performing during the day include The Geisha Girls, Ballonatic and the zany Carmen Miranda and her singing Palm Trees.
In keeping with the "Festival" theme a tented Workshop Village will be erected where visitors will be able to design a Dream catcher, make a kite or windmill, or get creative with Rangoli design, calligraphy and origami.
On both days visitors will also be able to purchase a variety of food and drink from burgers and sausages to Chinese and Mexican specialities.
Andover Live Chairman, Jan Wilson said
"Combining the two events into one weekend means we can offer both sports and arts related events under the one banner and make great use of Vigo Road park. We are particularly grateful to our main sponsor HSA Simply Health, to Test Valley Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Waitrose and Andover’s new radio station Andover Sound."