Carnival float-builders this morning held a protest at Freedom Square to applause from hundreds of people as they continued to call on the government to provide them with premises which they can use as workshops.

The float-builders walked behind the King Carnival float up part of Republic Street and into Freedom Square, Valletta, carrying placards calling for government support.

Some of the placards asked if this would be Malta's last Carnival.

Spokesman Jsson Busuttil said that the Carnival enthusiasts did not wish to ruin something which they loved, but they felt the need to protest because no headway had been made in talks with the government.

The float-builders are being evicted from Lower Fort St Elmo and stores near Luqa. They have turned down an offer of facilities at Ta'Qali, arguing that it is too far away.

Their request for a disused factory in Marsa has in turn been turned down by Malta Enterprise.

Mr Busuttil said the float-builders were very grateful for the applause and encouragement they had been given by the people during their protest.

He said however that unless the float-builders were allocated suitable premises, next year's Carnival would be very different from the current one.