THE organisers of Devizes Carnival have approached local businesses in an effort to raise enough sponsorship to maintain its reputation as one of the fastest growing carnivals in the South West.

This week, Dave Buxton, vice chairman of the organising committee said the carnival now has a budget of £30,000, with no core funding and no guaranteed grant aid.

Last year at the Bank Holiday Monday street festival the big hit was Neighbourhood Watch Stilts International. But the act costs £2,500 and this year's budget for the street festival alone is £10,000.

The bill for the procession is almost £4,000, £3,000 of which funds the six carnival bands.

There is also the cost of insurance, flags and banners, publicity, safety barriers, first aid provision and administration costs.

Mr Buxton invited local companies to either place an advert in the carnival brochure, make a donation or sponsor an event, band or performance.

For details of sponsorship, contact Mr Buxton on (01380) 723099 or Ian Hopkins on (01380) 725614.