ARTISTIC director Loz Samuels had some sleepless nights waiting to see if the grant application for Devizes carnival fortnight would be granted at the second time of asking by the Arts Council.

But with news that the £73,000 funding has finally been agreed it is now all systems go for Ms Samuels and the rest of the Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts committee.

Ms Samuels said: "After the first round of Arts Council submissions we were asked to submit ours again which meant we did not know if we would get the money or not until a few weeks ago.

"It was a bit of a worry and meant we had to hang fire on booking some acts that we would have liked to include. But we have a fantastic programme lined up and quite a few new twists."

This means there are some changes afoot for this year's event which kicks off on August 20 with Picnic In The Park from noon to 5pm at Hillworth Park. Included will be the chance to join in carnival workshops and create peacock head dresses for the parade on September 2.

On August 30 one of the carnival's longest running events the Confetti Battle will be given a major new element when a Colour Rush 5k run is added at the start of the evening.

Registration will open at 6pm and the run will start at 6.30pm. Ms Samuels said: "This is a brand-new event which complements the Confetti Battle. Colour Rush will take runners mostly off road and treat them to a colourful new look as they run through our paint stations and get covered in coloured powder.

"Colour runs, rushes and parties have become a big thing around the globe over the last decade or so. Inspired by the Indian festival of Holi or the Festival of Colour. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is a festive day to meet others, play and laugh – a perfect event to introduce with an Indian theme for Carnival.

"I’d love to be running in this event as I’m sure it’ll be so much fun, but sadly I’ll be on the sidelines making sure it all goes smoothly. I’m very proud to introduce this event to our programme and I hope that it will prove popular enough to become an annual addition. Get training now, there’s plenty of time."

She thanked Devizes Running Club which has helped plan the route which starts at the NHS Treatment Centre on Green Lane and finish in the Market Place in time for the battle. Entry costs £15 entry which includes a Colour Rush t-shirt.

This year's International Street Festival will be on The Green on August 27 and in the Market Place on August 28.

Go to www.docadevizes.org.uk