THE Highworth Festival will get an extra dash of razzmatazz thanks to a £5,000 cash boost.

The cash boost has come from the Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op to celebrate the first anniversary of its new store in Brewery Street, Highworth.

It will help September's festival weekend which will feature a float procession led by a carnival queen and live music go with a bang.

Gerry Edwards, chairman of the festival committee, said: "We will use the funds for various costs which must be paid up upfront, such as insurance, road closures signs, awnings for stalls and the live band.

"It will also help towards our carnival procession and outdoor events in the market place and the Rec."

This year's Highworth Festival will reflect the town's community spirit, which will be celebrated in a series of events throughout the year.

Colin Price, manager of the Brewery Street store, said: "The Co-op has a policy of returning some of its profits to the community. The festival is a really worthwhile project that involves local people and is a truly great community enterprise."

The next festival event is Highworth Choral Society's production of Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle which starts at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 27 at the Recreation Centre.

Tickets costs £8, call the ticketline on 01793 763175.