PEOPLE eat, drank and made merry as they enjoyed the first major event of the Devizes Carnival fortnight on Sunday.

After grey clouds and showers the sun burst through at lunchtime to give Picnic In The Park a boost just at the right moment.

The improving weather was enough to get people of all ages to turn out for a relaxed afternoon of live music and alfresco dining in Hillworth Park.

Among those joining in the fun was Mayor Jane Burton and her daughter Sarah Bridewell but for them and many others the death on Saturday night of former Mayor Pete Smith cast a long shadow.

The carnival and all of its event including the picnic was close to Mr Smith's heart who was a regular performer in the Major Wrecks all-male majorette group that were for many were always the stand out act in the carnival parade.

But Mr Smith was also of the opinion that the show had to go on and so families made a toast to the much-loved grandfather and allowed themselves to have some of the fun he so much enjoyed.

Helping to lift the mood was live music from Jimmy Moore, Dan Owen, Jasper in the Company of Others and By the Rivers. Euphoric folk-pop group Jasper In The Company Of Others helped to get the party going with its energetic fusion of indie pop.

Youngsters were kept busy having a go at circus skills under the tuition of Calne based Clare's Circus.

Loz Samuels the artistic director of Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts was delighted the rain held off until late afternoon and emergency wet weather plans did not have to be put into action for a second year running.

She said: "It was a great event. We were very lucky with the weather."

Carnival fortnight continues this weekend with the International Street Festival on Sunday and Monday followed by the Confetti Battle on Wednesday and the carnival parade on September 3.

For a full list of carnival events go to www.docadevizes.org.uk