DOCA Devizes

27/08/2026

Are you a young person passionate about tackling climate change?

DOCA have an opportunity for a young volunteer (aged 16-24) to join us for a mentorship in event sustainability. You’ll be working with Sam Drury Shore a local sustainability advocate, who is also the Chairperson at Sustainable Devizes.

Sam will be able to teach you about different approaches to event sustainability… There’s the maths-y stuff like data gathering, reporting, and carbon footprinting; plus we’ll be investigating initiatives like solar power, reusable cups, and how to encourage people to travel sustainably to our events.

But it’s definitely not all spreadsheets. As a creative organisation, we want to take a creative approach to climate action too, and we’d love you to pitch in your ideas on how we can deliver brilliant community events without trashing the planet at the same time.

The idea we’re most excited about at the moment is rethinking our approach to waste, taking leftover confetti from Devizes Confetti Battle and running workshops to make it into new paper after the event. There are so many other ways we might be able to shake things up, to do some good for local nature, or help people explore greener habits. We’d love for you to be involved.

If you have an interest in working in sustainability, this will certainly be a valuable learning experience. Or if you’d like to see local events become more planet-friendly, there’s a real opportunity for you to make a difference with your ideas.

This project is based in Devizes, but much of the planning can be done online. In terms of a time commitment, it would be probably be 2-3 hours a week, depending on which aspects you’d like to be involved with. And ideally you would be available for the following DOCA events, where we will be taking audience travel surveys, gathering data, and checking our projects are going as planned!
Saturday 26th September - Colour Rush, Wheelie Rush, Confetti Battle
Saturday 17th - Sunday 18th October - Festival of Discovery

If you’re interested and would like to find out more, please email [email protected] and someone will be in touch with you soon.

27/08/2026

Fireworks Fundraiser for Devizes Confetti Battle!

https://localgiving.org/fundraising/confetti-battle-26

We all love Devizes Confetti Battle. It's now been over 70 years since Jim Jennings evolved it into its current fully-fledged battle. As this long-standing Devizes tradition continues, we're hoping to maintain the more recent custom of ending the battle with a fireworks display this year.

After two difficult years with funding cuts, in 2025 we were able to raise over £1000 to fund a brilliant fireworks display, and put on this much-loved event in all its glory.

We’re hoping to do the same again in 2026, and raise £1500 to cover the cost of the fireworks display put on by professional contractors.

We know that the fireworks aren’t popular with everyone. Silent fireworks aren’t advised in summer months as the fallout when the fireworks are launched is greater, and presents an increased fire risk. Please note this firework display will only go ahead if we receive confirmation from the local fire service that it is safe based on conditions at the time.

We invite you to help us ensure we can deliver the spectacular fireworks finale, an eagerly anticipated part of this wonderful event. Please donate to this fundraiser if you can. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated and will help us light up the sky at the end of this year's battle.

📷 by Simon Folkard Photography

27/08/2026

We are pleased to announce Afon Sistema will be joining us at Devizes Carnival. If anyone would like to join them and be part of their 'Vibe Crew' please get in contact with us at [email protected]
Props will be provided ☂🫧

26/08/2026

Devizes Carnival parade is on Saturday 5th September, departing from Long Street at 6:10pm.

There's still time to sign up to take part in the procession. Whether you're representing a local organisation or community group, your school or business, or even just as a group of friends, everyone is welcome. It's a wonderful way to come together and celebrate our community.

If you'd like to be in the parade, simply email the town hall at: [email protected]

If you'd prefer to watch the Carnival from the sidelines (dancing is still encouraged!), you can find everything you need to know about being part of the audience, as well as road closure information etc. on the Devizes Town Council website: https://www.devizes-tc.gov.uk/devizes-town-carnival-2026/

Love Devizes Carnival, and want to help make the magic happen without being in the parade itself? Sign up to be a Carnival Marshall! This is a simple role that helps keep everyone safe on the Carnival route. All you need is a bit of common sense and a smile! Here's the form to sign-up: https://forms.gle/SDbyGN8Tq7R6L5Js8

Thanks to Simon Folkard Photography for these wonderful images Simon Folkard Photography

24/08/2026

Tickets are now on sale for Devizes Colour Rush and Wheelie Rush, taking place on Saturday 26th September 2026.

The order deadline for t-shirt printing is looming up very fast, so if you'd like to secure your free Colour Rush t-shirt, you need to order your ticket latest tomorrow (!) - Tuesday 25th August.

For tickets booked after this date, we cannot guarantee a t-shirt, but some spares will be available at the start of the race on a first come first served basis.

If you're keen to lay your hands on a t-shirt, head over to https://www.ticketsource.com/doca now and book your place (link in bio!)

If you would like to help reduce the environmental impact of this event, you can decline a new Colour Rush branded t-shirt and simply participate in your own clothes, or a Colour Rush t-shirt from a previous year. Taking part in your own clothes will also mean more of the funds raised go towards creating community events in Devizes, so please do consider it.

Thanks to Simon Folkard Photography for these photos!
Simon Folkard Photography

22/08/2026

With just under 10 weeks until the Local Community Fund closes there is still time to vote!

So far, 461 Co‑op Members are currently supporting Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts but we would love to have more.

21/08/2026

30/07/2026

It's here!
Get your running shoes out and get ready.
The best run in town with the ultimate finish line at the start of the Confetti Battle is waiting for you.
Tickets are on sale now - https://www.ticketsource.com/doca/t-rzqelym

26/05/2026

DOCA encouraged the funding of this training, as we hope some local creative businesses may take advantage of it. Please spread the word; it's free for Wiltshire businesses and will be really helpful for those who want to up their business game.

A little overview of the programme — it’s a 10-week course designed specifically to help freelancers and small business owners build the essential business skills needed to win more clients and grow their business. Participants will learn how to attract the right audience, price their products and services with confidence, and manage their finances more effectively. They are actively looking for people to join the programme, which kicks off in Wiltshire on 9th June.

The course also includes hands-on training with AI tools to help automate admin tasks and speed up workflows. You can find more information and the application form here: [https://join.mastered.com/business_ai_skills]

20/05/2026

From ceramics and textiles to printmaking, jewellery, woodwork and glass, The Makers Exchange brings together a remarkable range of skilled regional makers under one roof.

Alongside beautifully made work, visitors can experience demonstrations, workshops, live music and opportunities to see process in action .

Devizes Corn Exchange
23 to 24 May