Melksham Carnival royalty crowned

TARA Jayne Harrold has been crowned as Melksham’s new Carnival Queen after being selected at a ceremony on Sunday. 

She will take over from 2014’s queen Lauren Clarke, and will be joined by the other newly crowned Melksham Carnival Royalty for 2015: Lily Gibbs as her Princess, Grace Povey as Butterfly Princess, Lucas Burden as Prince and Eileen Taylor who won the Glamourous Grandmother category.

The selection was made following Melksham Carnival’s Toddler and Baby competition. The competitions, which were held at the Assembly Hall, were organised by Melksham Carnival Committee.

Organiser Beth Dark said, “It was a great day at the Assembly Hall; there was a really lovely atmosphere and sense of community spirit.

“There are always crowns and sashes but it wasn’t all about the sparkle, it was about people really wanting to do something for the town.

“We didn’t have as many applicants as some previous years, but those who did apply put in such a huge amount of effort. The Carnival royalty this year are already planning their events and appointments, with a dress fitting appointment at Belle of the Ball Bridals this Friday and a get together this week at Honey’s on the corner in Littlebrook centre for drinks and crown shaped glitter cookies.

“They each get to keep their beautiful crown, sash and dress/suit and have many duties throughout the year.

“Our butterfly princess, Grace Povey has royalty in her blood as her mum Michelle Brightwell was our queen the year before last, and Grace was very keen to follow in her mum’s footsteps!

“She wrote an amazing poem on the reverse of her entry form adorned with little hearts. This added to her confidence on stage was what made her the perfect choice.

“Our queen and princess are both hugely community spirited and smiled and exuded confidence through the entire time they were at the competition. Our prince was over the moon to be selected and I’m sure I saw his mum welling up when I called his name.

“I love doing the competition; it’s always such a fun day and it makes me feel warm inside!

“Our committee work tirelessly and all have massive family commitments and intense jobs to fit around, and we are a formidable team who are more like a family.

“The supporters whom are involved year after year are true community heroes and without their help we wouldn’t have, in my humble opinion,  the best carnival royalty in the west!

“We would like to thank everyone for their part in any aspect of Carnival.”

Melksham’s new Carnival Queen Tara Harrold said, “It’s so awesome to have been crowned as the queen! I’m excited to get on with it and be involved with events in the town.

“I can’t wait for the carnival now; my favourite part is always the parade itself and watching all the different floats go past.”

Melksham’s ‘bonniest babies’ were also chosen last weekend as part of Melksham Carnival’s Toddler and Baby competition.

Two year-old Lilly Norris was the overall winner having scored highest out of all of the entrants on the day.

Winner of the 0-6 months category was Jasper Rupert Neale, followed by Bethany Nirgunananthan in second place.

Savannah Mai Simpson Rogers took first place in the 6-12 months category, with Keiyan Taylor-Rogers in second.

The 1-2 years category was won by Ethan Williams with Lily-Grace Paget as runner-up.  In the 3-4 years category, Joshua Paget won first place with Leo Nirgunananthan in second place.

Official Melksham Carnival photographer Andy York was awarded the Royalty Cup by the 2014 Carnival Royalty for his huge part in their year.

Beth and the carnival team would like to thank all sponsors of the event: Andy York Photography, Libra Hair Studio, Flowers in Focus, Union Street Barbers, West Country Jewellers, and Dragonslair MMA.

More photos and information will be available at www.melkshamcarnival.co.uk.