The family-friendly Picnic in the Park gets Devizes Carnival fortnight under way at Hillworth Park today.

The picnic has grown in popularity since it was launched nine years ago. Admission is free and children can take part in a circus skills workshop and be entertained by Lady Margo.

Live music will feature local singer Clare Kearley and Tom Toomey, a virtuoso guitarist from Yeovil, plus Phil King, a singer/songwriter from Bristol, whose band plays funky, jazz infused soul music. They played at Devizes Festival this year.

Returning from last year’s Picnic in the Park is guitarist Martin Harley who has supported singer James Morrison on his recent tours.

Ian Hopkins, chairman of Devizes Carnival, said: “Picnic in the Park is a top family event. Hillworth Park designs itself so music can be on one side and children’s entertainment on the other.

“It’s free and all people need to do is bring a rug or chairs and a picnic.”

There will be a barbecue and Devizes Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) will have a licensed bar. The event is from noon to 4.30pm.

The next carnival events are hosted by the Wyvern Club in Church Walk. Carol Brewer will be teaching dancing to fitness next Tuesday and there is a skittles contest for teams of four the following night.

Thursday is comedy night in the basement of the Corn Exchange whe comedians Pierre Hollins and Cole Parker, who tour comedy club circuits, will be cracking the jokes. Tickets cost £10.

Mr Hopkins said: “We held the comedy night for the first time last year. It worked really well and was virtually sold out. We pack the tables and chairs tightly in the basement of the Corn Exchange and it creates an intimate club atmosphere.

“This year’s carnival celebrates the tenth anniversary of the street festival and nearly 100 years of the carnival itself so we are pulling all the stops out to make sure we celebrate in the right way.”

Carnival programmes listing all the events are available from town centre shops including Devizes Books, Brittox News and Ducks newsagents.