Those taking part in Devizes Carnival procession on Saturday will have to impress professional arts workers to win a trophy.

The organisers, Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts (DOCA), have made a change to the judging this year. Previously those taking part were judged on The Green prior to the procession setting off, but on Saturday the judging will take place en route.

Also new this year is that the panel of judges will include experienced carnival workers including Julz Davies, who was artistic co-ordinator at St Paul’s Carnival, Bristol, and Simon Tipping, of Festive Road, an outdoor arts company.

Jo Beal, artistic director of DOCA, said: “The judges can chat to the people taking part in the procession when they line up on The Green but the judges will have a viewing platform on the corner of the roundabout at Southbroom Road and Nursteed Road.

"They will see the groups and individuals in the procession, how the crowd responds to them and how they respond to the crowd.”

The results will be sent through to Fantasy Radio who will be broadcasting live and by the time the procession reaches the Market Place the winners of each category will be announced.

Entry forms are available online at www.docadevizes.org.uk or from Devizes Books in Sidmouth Street or Scholars in Little Brittox.

Entrants should start assembling on The Green by 5pm and the parade starts at 6pm. Also on Saturday will be a performance of Wessex Military Band in The Brittox from noon to 2pm and Bitter and Twisted plays at The Southgate Inn, Potterne Road, at 8.30pm. Free entry.

There are rolling road closures for the carnival, beginning with Sidmouth Street being shut at 4pm.

Southbroom Road closes at 6pm and the town centre is closed completely at 6.30pm. All roads will be reopened at 8pm.

Organisers say every effort is made to keep traffic moving smoothly through Devizes during the carnival and marshals will be in place to direct traffic where necessary.

Timetable:

  • Noon-2pm - Wessex Military Band plays in The Brittox
  • 5pm - Entrants assemble on The Green
  • 6pm - Carnival parade due to leave The Green
  • 8.30pm - Bitter and Twisted play at The Southgate Inn. Free entry