THE climax to Devizes Carnival fortnight will take place on Saturday night when the traditional parade leaves the Green at 6pm.

Jo Beal the artistic director of Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts is keeping her fingers crossed for dry weather after rain meant the carnival picnic had to move indoors and the street festival suffered from downpours.

She said: "It will go ahead whatever happens but hopefully it will be dry. In recent years we have had some lovely balmy weather for the parade."

A number of schools and other organisations such as Youth Action Wiltshire have had a helping hand with their entries from carnival workshops. In recent years extravagant walking entries have given the parade an extra lift.

But for many the large floats on the back of lorries are the highlight of the evening and pubs, clubs and sports groups have been finalising their entries over the summer holidays.

Organisers are pleased to be welcoming back the Portsmouth and Bristol Batala Band to lead the procession which will also feature White Horse Samba, Wessex Military Band and Casa de Samba.

Money will be collected during the parade and distributed to a range of Devizes charities. For those who arrive without change members of Devizes Lions will be on the route ready to exchange notes for coins.

The carnival photography competition is still open for entries of any pictures taken during the fortnight. Entries need to be sent to info@docadevizes.org.uk by September 21.

There will be cash prizes for both the adult and junior competition.

For those who want to pit their wits carnival quiz night is tomorrow (4) at Southbroom Infant School from 7.30pm. To book a table ring (01380) 728671.

Tomorrow evening is also carnival on the canal from 6.30pm to 1pm at The Wharf.

Wessex Contraband will play and there will be a number of other acts, stalls and demonstrations.