This year's Devizes Festival has had more full houses than any other year.

As an example, we had ten evening events in the town hall and every single one was sold out.

May I thank, on behalf of the festival committee, the vital contribution made by so many organisations and individuals to this success.

In particular, may I draw attention to our main business sponsor, Wadworth, which continues to make Devizes a familiar name across the country.

Not only does the brewery give substantial financial support, it also arranges the ever-popular tours of the brewery.

Likewise, without the support from Devizes Town Council and Kennet District Council there would be the greatest difficulty in bringing together such a varied programme for such different audiences.

In addition, the other event sponsors deserve our appreciation: Awdry, Bailey Douglas, The Bear Hotel, Cross Manufacturing, David Owen and Co, Lane and Tatham, The Lamb Inn, Mark Wilkinson Furniture, Spirit, Terry's Pharmacy and the Gazette and Herald.

The Gazette has also given space to reviews and updates which have been most valuable.

Many other businesses and organisations give enthusiastic support too many to name individually.

Devizes Books, Devizes Lions and the town's Wharf Theatre are just three among many that deserve special mention.

The committee's greatest appreciation must go to the solid support we receive from all the people who come to the festival events.

Also, the committee must be getting quite a lot of things right.

As chairman, may I say that they are a brilliant team.

S Brazier

Devizes