Carnival Queen and Princess crowned

THIS year’s Melksham Carnival Queen and Princess have been crowned at a special evening held at Melksham Town Hall.

Melksham Carnival Queen 2017 is 20 year-old Cara Wallace who will take over from 2016’s queen, Erika Bignell. Melksham Carnival Princess 2017 is 11 year-old Lola Brady.

Carnival secretary, Beth Dark said, “It was a lovely evening and I’m so pleased we decided to hold the two events and make them more special. One down, one more to go – for the younger ones – and then we will have our Melksham Carnival Royalty for 2017.

“It was very difficult for the judges to decide the winners – I’m glad I didn’t have to make the decision! All the entries were very professional and everyone was impressed with how confident they all were when speaking on stage.

“This year, as well as the on-stage interviews, the judges had a one-to-one interview with the contestants, which was nice because they got to know them better. It can be quite daunting standing on the stage and speaking to a room full of people, the one-to-one allowed them to relax and be themselves.

“Thank you to the judges from the Bowerhill Ladies Group – they were very impressed with the contestants. They said all the candidates were amazing and those who didn’t win shouldn’t be disappointed because they were all fantastic and should enter again next year. This year, we also invited VIP guests to come to the event. These were individuals and businesses from the town who have helped and supported the Carnival.

“The out-going royalty presented the Royalty Cup to Mary from West Country Jewellers. They have been providing the jewellery for our royalty for many years – we are so grateful for their continued support. We’re really looking forward to the Melksham Junior Royalty Carnival Competition which is being held this weekend. You can still apply for the competition, so download your entry form from our website or pop into Andy York Photography.”

Melksham Junior Carnival Royalty Competition will be held on Sunday 2nd April; 2 -4.30pm again at Melksham Town Hall. Afternoon tea and cakes will be available. Entry for event: adults £2,  children free. Entry to the competition, £4 on the day or £3 in advance. Forms need to be returned with fee before 12pm Saturday 1st April.

Forms are available to download from www.melkshamcarnival.co.uk or from Andy York in the Littlebrook Centre or Komix in Church Street. Forms are to be returned to Andy York in the Littlebrook Centre or Komix.

Age categories are: • Fairy Princess – reception to year three. • Butterfly Princess  – years four to six. • Carnival Page  – reception to year six.

Prizes for the winners are as follows: Dress and crown supplied by Belle of the Ball Bridals, suit for the Page boy, sash  donated by C & A Embroidery, a piece of jewellery – donated by West Country Jewellers, photograph by Andy York and to take part in the carnival procession on Saturday 22nd July.