IT was not quite a picnic in the park more entertainment in the exchange but at least organisers of the Devizes Carnival fortnight curtain raiser made sure the show went on despite torrential rain.

Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts tweeting under the hashtag rainwon'tstopus made the decision to move the first event of the 2015 carnival calendar from Hillworth Park to the Corn Exchange.

Families and friends who had expected to be dining alfresco instead put up their picnic chairs and spread their blankets on the floor of the main hall.

As the wine flowed and bevies were bought from the CAMRA beer stall people got into the mood for dancing as bands made the most of the stage to create a carnival atmosphere.

Instead of dancing in the rain the picnic goers took to the floor to boogie to music from Ben Cipolla, John E Visctic Experience, Flash Harry and Talisman!

Among those enjoying the show was Devizes CAMRA chairman Don Jones who praised the DOCA organisers and said: "Hats off to you for today. The weather was against you but you salvaged the event. All those involved should take a bow."

Jo Beal the artistic director of DOCA tweeted during the afternoon: "Festival atmosphere at The Corn Exchange currently created by Flash Harry. There is much dancing."

Youngsters who had been looking forward to learning circus skills from Circomedia were not disappointed as the lessons and demonstrations went ahead in the Corn Exchange.

Children tried their hand at juggling, plate spinning and stilt walking.

Organisers woke up to heavy rain on Sunday and by late morning when the skies were still dark and the wet weather continued they made the decision to move venue.

Alerts were put out on social media, websites and local radio so would-be picnic goers knew about the move indoors.