DEVIZES Carnival committee hosted various local firms as they held a launch party last Friday.

Although the carnival does not get under way until August the committee wanted to establish interest from companies interested in sponsoring carnival events such as the Bank Holiday street festival, which last year attracted more than 10,000 people.

The launch evening was held at the town hall and organisers said it was well attended.

Ian Hopkins, carnival chairman, said: "It was our first real launch party and it was great fun. Devizes Carnival fortnight has become such a big event that we now need to get the whole business and wider community on board.

"Following the launch party we are already talking to various people about sponsoring elements of the carnival and we are advising town centre business owners on how to work alongside the events and get the most out of the carnival.

"We feel 2004 is going to be a great year for us and we want everyone to feel that they have a part to play."

Special guests were BBC Radio Wiltshire presenter Sue Davies and actor George Baker from West Lavington.

Mr Baker expressed his gratitude for the contributions made to West Lavington youth club by the carnival last year.

He told the audience how the carnival fortnight was important not only to Devizes but to the surrounding villages.