DOCA Devizes

06/09/2025

We are looking for performers to operate our large lanterns. We are particularly looking for three people to operate our new horse lantern. Those who are keen to be inside the horse will need to be available to work with the maker, Karolyn Pike, who will work with you to make the horse move properly and be comfortable.

We will be running sessions during the middle two weeks of November to prepare for the event.

We will also need people to operate our dinosaur, which needs 3 people, three flamingo’s one person each and our spaceman, which needs five people; these need no rehearsal, just comfy shoes and enthusiasm. We are looking for people who love performing and having fun. You’ll be happy to interact with the crowds, especially children and families.

Those of you who have good lantern-making skills may be interested in helping us get our flamingos and dinosaur ship shape and parade-ready, or even help run a workshop in a community or school setting. Let us know if you’d be interested in helping out.

You will need to be over 18 years old and be physically fit.

You will need to be available on the day of the lantern parade - the 28th of November from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Please email [email protected] to register your interest.

05/09/2025

Don't forget to pop along to Whissgigs at Devizes Farmers Market tomorrow! Check out some tunes from: John E Wright, Chrissy Chapman, Gary Hewitt-Long and Yav Krastov

We'll be there from 10am to 1pm! 🤩

04/09/2025

We're thrilled to announce that we've been awarded our full winter funding from Arts Council England! This incredible support means we can now move forward in bringing our Winter Festival to life and preparing for an amazing Lantern Parade.

We're deeply grateful to Arts Council England for believing in our vision and investing in our community's creative future. This funding doesn't just support our organisation – it supports the entire Devizes arts community and all the talented festival makers, audience and participants who make our work possible.

A heartfelt thank you also goes out to our wonderful Devizes community for your ongoing support, enthusiasm, and participation. You are the heart of everything we do.

We can't wait to share what we have planned – watch this space for exciting announcements about workshops, events, and other details coming soon!

02/09/2025

🌟 Join the DOCA team as our new General Manager! 🌟

Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts (DOCA) is looking for a highly organised and motivated General Manager to help lead our small but mighty arts charity into its next chapter.

You’ll be the first point of contact for many of our enquiries, keeping our office and systems running smoothly, supporting funding bids and reporting, and working closely with our Admin Support and Treasurer to manage budgets and HR. You’ll nurture partnerships, support our team and volunteers, and play a key role in developing DOCA’s brand as we deliver magical events like the Winter Lantern Parade, The Magic Garden, and Confetti Battle.

We’re looking for someone methodical, flexible, and people-focused, with a love for spreadsheets, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a busy, creative environment. Experience in the arts, fundraising, or working with trustees is a bonus.

📍 Hybrid role (Devizes, Wiltshire & remote)
⏰ 22.5 hours per week
💷 £12,480, 3 days a week, over an 8 month period (full-time equivalent £28,080) on a self-employed basis
🌱 Equal opportunities employer

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, inspire others, and help shape the cultural life of Devizes, we’d love to hear from you!

Deadline: 18th September
Interviews to be held on: 23rd September in Devizes or online if preferred

For the full job description and details on how to apply, visit https://www.docadevizes.org.uk/were-hiring/

31/08/2025

We've got some extra Colour Rush T-shirts available so if you wish you had one you can get your hands on one for £5.

Get in touch with [email protected] and we can arrange it!

28/08/2025

Two days to go?! We can't believe it's come around so fast!

The parade starts at 18:10 at Long Street.

The route is as follows: Long Street → St John's Street → Market Place → Brewery Corner → New Park Street → Maryport Street → Sidmouth Street

We can't wait to see you there!! 🤩🥳

𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 - 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fun, floats, and fabulous costumes! The Devizes Carnival is back and we're SO excited for the parade this year. 🌟
🕕 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬: 18:10 at Long Street
🚶‍♂️ 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞: Long Street → St John's Street → Market Place → Brewery Corner → New Park Street → Maryport Street → Sidmouth Street
✨ 𝐍𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 – just enter, have fun, and let your creativity run wild! Whether you're with a group or solo, it's all about joining in and celebrating the spirit of Devizes. 🎉
👀 We've already had a sneak peak at some amazing entries! There's still time to sign up – it's FREE to enter! Just fill out your entry form below and get ready to join in the fun! https://tinyurl.com/d9abxrwj
Not sure how to get involved? No worries! Keep an eye out for our upcoming carnival workshops – we'll be sharing details VERY soon!
Proud to be working alongside DOCA Devizes

25/08/2025

It may still be the summer holidays, but we are thinking ahead to colder climates right now. We're getting into planning our Winter Festival and Window Wanderland. With no theme announced yet, it got us wondering - would you prefer:

📊 VOTE by commenting with the emoji:

🎭 A fun theme to inspire everyone
🌈 Complete creative freedom - no theme
🤔 Not sure - surprise me!

Let us know what gets your creative juices flowing and make this one of the best Window Wanderland yet!

22/08/2025

We'd love to hear your feedback! Evaluation is a really important part of how we learn and improve the events we put on and also a vital tool when we're applying for the much needed funding to keep these incredible free community events going.

So, if you have some time to spare, please fill in our audience feedback form for this years Confetti Battle!

https://tinyurl.com/Confettibattlefeedback

🎊🎊🎊

20/08/2025

CONGRATULATIONS to Zoe and her daughter Ivy-May on winning a golden ticket at this years Confetti Battle! Zoe has won herself £20 cash which was kindly sponsored by John Stuart Funeral Directors.

15/08/2025

It's nearly race time!! Don't forget to be prepared for the hot weather tomorrow! 🌞

14/08/2025

Two days!! Have you signed up yet?

You can do it here: https://tinyurl.com/2025Colourrush