DEVIZES Carnival organisers are warning the public that this year's carnival procession is to start at the earlier time of 6pm.

It will take place on August 30. The carnival procession normally sets off from The Green at 6.30pm but the organisers are anticipating a large number of people to take part and want to make sure they return back to The Green while it is still light.

The earlier start time has been prompted by the success of last year's procession which was boosted by 100 people who took part after making their own costumes in specially organised workshops.

Carnival chairman Dave Buxton said: "Because last year's procession was so much bigger it hadn't got back to The Green by 8.30pm and it was dark.

"We are starting earlier to try to ensure they return in daylight."

Carnival entry forms are available from Scholars in the Little Brittox.

Judging of the entries takes place on The Green at 4.30pm.

A limited number of places are available on free costume-making workshops which start next week at Devizes School.

The carnival committee has been awarded a total of £29,190 from the Arts Council and Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation through its Progress Fund.

The money is being used to double the number of places on the workshops to 200.

For more information about the workshops contact Elaine Gale on (01380) 728671 or alternatively, visit the carnival website at www.devizescarnival.co.uk