The origins of Devizes Carnival events are told in a new book by carnival stalwart Dave Buxton.

The book, 100 Years of Devizes Carnival, has been published to coincide with the event’s centenary this year.

The book reveals the origins of the confetti battle, which was already an established event in Melksham, and that Wednesday used to be procession night. That day was half-day closing for the shops and was where a lot of those involved worked.

The selection of a carnival queen attracted huge crowds in the early years and the book tells the story of how one carnival queen had to resign because she lived in Calne.

There are lots of photographs of carnival events from over the years.

The book is available, price £14, from Devizes Books, Brittox News, Ducks of Devizes and Wiltshire Heritage Museum.