The association of Carnival float-makers said today that it would participate in this weekend's Carnival 'under protest' since no headway has been made in talks with the government on alternative premises which they can use to build the floats in.

The float-makers have been ordered to evict stores near Luqa and at Lower Fort St Elmo but the alternative they were offered, at Ta' Qali, was deemed unsuitable because of the distance from Valletta.

Jason Busuttil, who heads the Ghaqda Participanti tal-Karnival said this morning that all the carnival floats would be carrying a message about the current situation.

On Saturday morning, all carnival participants will join forces 'to deliver their message' Mr Busuttil said, without elaboration.

He warned however, that carnival next year would be very different, and of an inferior standard, unless the float-builders were given a place where they could work.

SMALLER FLOATS

Anton Miceli, project manager of the Malta Arts Council, said the floats would be smaller this year because the float-builders had originally been told they would not be able to parade in Freedom Square, because of the City Gate project.

He said that an innovation this year would be decorated cars, which was a new element meant to encourage more young people to take part.

Building on last year's success, carnival on Saturday will continue well into the night at St Anne Street, Floriana, with activities including the defile' and games.

A spontaneous Carnival will be held in Valletta on Monday morning.

Mr Micelli welcomed the fact that a record number of schools had entered their participation for the children's carnival on Saturday morning.