AS A trustee of Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part or volunteered during the two weeks of festivities. Each year we spend a great deal of time and energy raising funds by way of direct fundraising, sponsorship and grants from the Arts Council, Devizes Town Council and the Devizes Area Board.
This year we were notified that Wiltshire Council was not granting us the £6,000 that we had received during previous years.
Therefore, we were extremely grateful the Area Board stepped in to support us to make up this shortfall, although I wish to make it clear to your readers that we have had regular financial support from the Area Board for a number of years and have an excellent relationship with board members.
Each year we find ourselves facing increasing costs and, while Richard Gamble is correct in stating we were anticipating charges for parking closures, these are new charges that we have to raise funds to cover. 
Fortunately this year those charges were waived. Those who attend the DOCA events may be unaware that there are charges for certain services provided by Wiltshire Council, including street cleaning and road closures.
DOCA depends on local goodwill and support and we hope the many thousands who flocked to town over the two weeks understand the need for us to raise funds to put on the wide range of exciting and innovative performances as well as the overall costs. We hope Wiltshire Council will be in a position to offer funding in future years and help support the arts in Devizes.
Elaine Gale
Long Street
Devizes