DEVIZES Carnival organisers are celebrating after receiving an Arts Council grant of more than £58,000.

The group was this week relieved to get the award against a backdrop of grant cuts for arts organisations nationally.

Artistic director of Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts Jo Beal said: "This success signals faith in the excellent programme of international outdoor arts, music and participatory arts activity that it has planned for the coming year. "We are looking forward to welcoming back Chris Bull, high-wire walker extraordinaire, with his new show, Equilibrius, which is set to be a highlight of Street Festival Sunday."

The group, which also puts on the Christmas lantern festival and other events throughout the year, was awarded £58,385 by Arts Council England.

Mrs Beal said “Alongside the grant we are very grateful for the ongoing support of Devizes Town Council and the local investment that comes through sponsorship, volunteering and donations. More than ever this year DOCA needs continued and increased support locally to help deliver its exciting and unique programme that benefits the town socially and economically."

She said she was looking forward to the start of the 2015 programme and had already started to recruit the Festival Makers Team.

She said: "These are essential to help host the artists, make visitor welcome, sell programmes and collect donations. All of these job are essential for the smooth running of our summer and winter events."

DOCA will have a stall at a volunteering event which is part of the Lions May Fair on Monday in the Market Place to help recruit people between 10am and 3pm. Or people can email jayhaigh@gmail.com