THIS year's Devizes Carnival will have a new artistic director in the shape of experienced festival organiser Loz Samuels but much is already in place to make 2016 one of the best ever.

Ms Samuels, who comes to Devizes from being artistic director of Kidderminster Festival and arts development head at Wyre Forest Council, and has hit the ground running.

She took over the role of artistic director of Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts this month after Jo Beal left in April after two years in the top job. This week DOCA stalwart Dave Buxton said: "Loz is a very experienced arts manager, has worked as a contemporary circus professional herself and comes with a great reputation for innovation and flair in festival organization – we feel very lucky to have got her on board.

"We were able to plan for Jo leaving and much was already planned for this year and grants were in place. But Loz already has some new ideas. We are really looking forward to this year's carnival events and the International Street Festival."

Highlights of the carnival fortnight include Picnic In The Park on August 26 when Hillworth Park will be full of families and friends dining alfresco and enjoying a range of musical acts.

On August 31 one of the town's most traditional events will be staged in Market Place when the Confetti Battle will get underway at the sound of a cannon.

The International Street Festival which has become a firm fixture on the middle weekend of the carnival will feature even more acts than usual on August 28 and 29.

A spokesman said: "DOCA is pleased and proud to present a fantastic programme for the Devizes International Street Festival, welcoming some of the best street performers, contemporary circus acts, dancers, musicians and walkabout shows from across Europe and the UK to amaze, surprise and entertain audiences.

"Throughout both days there was an array of delicious food and drinks, including licensed bars, and crafts available from festival stalls."

Acts will include 15ft6 who are four acrobats who will perform Dynamite And Poetry which is said to be an explosive performance that will literally make you jump out of your seat.They blow up the stage with a spectacle of Russian bar, teeter board and Chinese pole.

Dizzy O'Dare will be there to twist balloons into a highly entertaining 45minutes that will have the whole family in stitches and awe.

The audience is told to expect amazing balloon sculptures a high energy comic performance and the all important giant balloon.

There will also be music, circus acts, pop up theatre and constant entertainment over the two days in the Market Place and on the Green.

But for many the highlight of the carnival will always be the parade that will be staged on September 3.

To find out more go to http://www.docadevizes.org.uk/