Devizes Carnival goes from strength to strength and this year’s programme will be the most ambitious ever, its new artistic director Jo Beal said this week.

Ms Beal, who has taken over from Dave Buxton, said: “We are proud to present a growing and ambitious programme of outdoor art for 2014-2015, featuring bigger and better events than ever before, plus even more opportunities to become involved and take part in what we do.”

Over the past ten years Devizes has been put on the national map through the revitalisation of the Devizes Carnival, the introduction of the hugely popular Devizes International Street Festival – a two-day feast of street theatre, music and outdoor art from across the globe – and Devizes Christmas Festival and Lantern Parade.

The parade features hundreds of lanterns made by members of the community, which are carried through the streets in a celebration of light, creativity, and the start of the Christmas season.

Plans are already well under way for this summer’s carnival and street festival.

Ms Beal said: “This year we are championing inclusivity and diversity in our work.

“We are delighted to welcome Graeae to the Street Festival Sunday, with their large-scale adaptation of The Iron Man by Ted Hughes.

“We will also be collaborating with integrated company and Devizes’ favourites Natural Diversions, who will work with us to expand our Streets Ahead Youth Theatre to offer opportunities for young people with and without physical and learning disabilities.”

Carnival fortnight runs from August 17 to 30, culminating in the procession around the town, leaving from The Green at 6pm on Saturday, August 30. Full details of events are in the carnival brochure, which will be on sale next month.

DOCA receives financial support from Arts Council England but needs help in achieving match-funding from local sponsors.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more or getting involved can visit www.docadevizes.org.uk or get in touch on 07880 239598 or info@docadevizes.org.uk