The final event of Devizes Carnival 2010 played to a full house at the Corn Exchange.

Businessman Bruce Hopkins had managed to attract the hit 1960s band Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich – all Wiltshiremen – as well as EastEnders composer Simon May, born and bred in Devizes, for the glitzy event on Wednesday last week.

They were well supported by jazz combo the Collette Cassin Quintet and children from the First Stages youth theatre.

Mr Hopkins took to the stage with his singing partners Helen Darbyshire and twins Christie and Gina Strong for a set in the second half.

Former chief fire officer John Craig stood in at the last moment for the billed compere, who had to cry off because of illness.

First Stages sang their Olympic Salute, written by Nick Bryan, before Mr May came to the stage to conduct them in a medley from his musical Smike.

In his own set, Mr May played and sang a selection of his best known TV themes, including the one he wrote for the final appearance in EastEnders of the character Peggy Mitchell, played by Barbara Windsor.

He donated his original manuscript of the piece for auction and it earned another £250 for carnival funds.

Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich performed their old hits and some other 60s classics in their hour-long set.

Then the entire company came together on stage for a rendition of the Beatles’ Hey Jude, which had the audience on their feet.

There were groups from Hayden’s Bakeries, Lloyds Bank, Devizes PHAB club and the town council in the audience and visitors from as far away as London and Guildford.

Mr Hopkins said: “It was everything I hoped it would be and more. Hopefully the carnival funds will have got something out of it as well.

“Everyone did it for expenses only and we had so many things donated by local companies. I would like to thank them all.

“At £10 a ticket I don’t think anyone could say they didn’t get value for money.”