MELKSHAM Carnival is hosting a free ‘Jubilee afternoon tea’ to crown this year’s carnival royal family!
And it will be double jubilation at the royal occasion, as the carnival committee will also be celebrating Beth Dark’s 15-year anniversary in her role as Royalty Guardian.
The Jubilee afternoon tea is this Sunday, 3rd April, at the Assembly Hall from 2pm to 5.30pm. Entry is free for all, thanks to a grant from Melksham Town Council, but donations for Melksham Carnival will be welcomed.
The event marks the return of the carnival to the town, after an absence of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic – the last procession was held in the summer of 2019. This year’s carnival will take place on Saturday 25th June.
“We have all been missing carnival so much,” said royalty guardian Beth (pictured), speaking to Melksham News, “it’s amazing to be back; just brilliant.
“Melksham Town Council has very kindly funded the afternoon tea for us – so we are able to make the event free. We have had such a rotten time in and out of lockdowns, living with restrictions, so we want the community to come along, be together, and enjoy this – it’s our gift to Melksham.
“And the more people that come along to watch the royalty crowning the better! We want to grow the event and make it bigger than ever.
“There will be coffee and tea served in bone-china tea sets, and squash in teapots for the children, as well sandwiches and cakes. Music will also be provided by local musician, Sharon Wilshire.”
At the afternoon tea, the carnival will be selecting and crowning its Queen (aged 18+); Princess, (from school years 7 to 13); Butterfly Princess (from school years 3 to 6), Fairy Princess (from reception age up to school year 2), and carnival Page (from reception age up to school year 6).
About her 15-year anniversary, Beth said, “I love being the royalty guardian – the crowning event is always my favourite event! I have met so many lovely people in my role, and I’m still friends with so many of the previous queens, princesses and pages – the family keeps growing every year!
“I would like to thank the people of this awesome town, and beyond, for always welcoming me, bring supportive of carnival and for being so generous with the gifts and services they offer my royal family.”
Asked if there was any sign of her retiring from the role, Beth said, “Definitely not, I love it too much!”
Advance free tickets for the Jubilee afternoon tea, are available from the Town Hall and the Assembly Hall. The carnival committee encourages people to get their tickets in advance to help them plan for catering requirements, but people are welcome to show up on the day.
For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/MelkshamCarnival
