A fundraiser has been launched to protect the future of a popular town centre carnival after a major loss of funding.

The Devizes Carnival is scheduled to take place on August 31 this year and is one of the highlights of the town’s annual calendar.

But organisers Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts (DOCA) have been fighting to make sure this year’s selection of community events goes ahead free of charge after losing Arts Council funding.

This loss has already led to the cancellation of the Devizes International Street Festival, one of the biggest yearly events in the town.

DOCA has already committed to running this year’s carnival and has no plans to cancel it, but will need to cover the costs from its reserves if it does not receive alternative funding.

The charity says this would “leave them at risk” and prevent them from fundraising and planning for future events, like the Winter Festival, if the main source of income falls through again.

READ MORE: Devizes International Street Festival 2024 cancelled

Devizes Carnival 2023Devizes Carnival 2023 (Image: Simon Folkard)

A public fundraiser has been set up, and will run until Monday, July 22, and DOCA is “desperately” urging residents and businesses to help them hit their target of £9,825.

Production director Annabel Lake said, “We are doing everything we can to ensure Devizes Carnival doesn’t follow in the sad footsteps of so many other carnivals around the country that have had to cancel in recent years.

“Having experienced how much carnival means to the people of Devizes, and the efforts put in by schools and groups across town who have come together to help build it back up again post Covid, it would be a real shame to lose this wonderful traditional event in our town, which dates back well over 100 years.

“Just think, if each of the 3,000 spectators could afford a £3 donation then we’d be able to cover all the costs.”

At the time of writing, the appeal had raised over £2,300 while many attendees at the recent Picnic in the Park also donated a suggested ticket price of £5.

Devizes Carnival 2023Devizes Carnival 2023 (Image: Simon Folkard)

Donations will be used for the operational costs of the carnival, including barrier hire and first aid, as well as workshops to support participation.

DOCA is also appealing for volunteers to help marshal the event on the day of the carnival and those who are interested should email info@docadevizes.org.uk.

The theme for this year’s parade is home is where the heart is and local businesses have been encouraged to take part.