DEVIZES Carnival is appealing for companies to sponsor the different events planned this year.

The free August bank holiday street festival which last year attracted 10,000 visitors will be one of the big attractions up for sponsorship. Others include the confetti battle and the carnival procession.

The carnival, held over a fortnight in August and September, is acknowledged as the fastest growing carnival in southern England.

It was revitalised under the leadership of David Buxton during the last five years and has established itself in the UK summer carnivals season.

New chairman Ian Hopkins wants the carnival to continue to grow and wants to build on its excellent reputation.

This year's carnival will cost in the region of £60,000 and Mr Hopkins said the carnival committee wanted to offer sponsorship opportunities to local businesses, much like Devizes Festival.

Mr Hopkins said: "The cost of running the carnival is met through a mixture of grants, sponsorship and fund-raising but grant aid is being squeezed.

He said: "The key events in the carnival, such as the bank holiday street festival, are free. Last year it cost £17,000 and it will be more or less the same this year.

"We surveyed retailers in Devizes after last year's carnival and most of them reported significant increases in their trade, some as much as an 85 per cent increase.

"Opportunities for businesses to get exposure from carnival events have never been better. The carnival is riding on a crest of a wave right now with international performers already booked and predictions of even bigger crowds. This is the time to get on board and support what has become the biggest show in town.

"We have built up over the years a number of local contacts, and national companies have also come on board and we want to expand on that.

"Companies can sponsor events or artists involved in the carnival."

Devizes Carnival is also launching a supporters club. People pay £5 to become a carnival supporter and receive a carnival programme and badge.

The carnival committee is holding a launch event tomorrow at the town hall from 7pm to 9pm. Speakers include local radio personalities and there will be a drinks reception.