ORGANISERS of the Chippenham Carnival have issued a rallying cry to local businesses and residents to support the annual event or else they will lose it.

The call comes from Chippenham Connected, which has run the carnival for the past three years in partnership with Chippenham Town Council.

Despite other major events taking place in the area on the same day, including the long-standing Devizes Carnival, Bath Carnival and Bristol Pride, the organisers were delighted that more than 14,000 people came into Chippenham during Saturday's event.

Chippenham Connected manager Kathryn Crosweller said: “’Great oaks from little acorns grow’ and we’re definitely starting to see the hard work we’ve put in for the last three years pay off.

"Chippenham Carnival has grown and grown each year and we’re thrilled to be instrumental in helping to bring the community together through re-introducing this event to Chippenham.

"It has the scope to grow from year to year but it's up to local people and businesses to appreciate it and use it. Events like this need to be looked after and be supported."

The event is funded by local businesses and the town council and sponsored by Chippenham-based Faresaver Buses whose co-director Daniel Pickford said: “In our third year as title sponsors we were once again taken aback by the number of people who came to the carnival and watched the procession.

“Each year the number of people visiting seems to increase and it gives us a great opportunity not only to speak with people who use our services regularly but also speak with new customers."

During the day, a series of activities and events took place in the Island Park, and the carnival was brought to a spectacular close with the procession which left Wood Lane Car Park at 7pm and finished at the top of the High Street.

Up to 26 local groups, clubs, societies and businesses took part, and the organisers were delighted to see the first school in 20 years take part in the procession.

Procession entrants were given the opportunity to win a trophy for the best group in each category and the winners this year were: Friends of St. Paul’s Primary School (Best School or Youth Group), Chippenham Knatty Knitters (Best Pub, Club or Community Group), Sahara Sisters Bellydancing Group (Best Dance Group), John Williams Heating Services Ltd. (Best Business Vehicle) and The Rise Trust (Best Individual, Family or Small Group).

The next community event from Chippenham Connected in partnership with Chippenham Town Council will be a new event for the town: Chippenham’s Summer Garden. This will take place in the Market Place from August 22-31.

To stay up to date on this and future events, visit www.chippenhamconnected.com or follow Chippenham Connected on Facebook.