The carnival team is preparing to host its fun-filled Royalty Selection Day next month, which will include a soft toy competition and the first-ever Carnival Cake-Off.
Due to be held at the Rachel Fowler Centre on Sunday 16th March, the day is a staple in Melksham’s calendar, which has been running since the 1960s. It sees the community come together as a prelude to the annual carnival festivities.
Residents are invited to apply for one of the prestigious carnival roles before the selection event.
The categories for carnival royalty are: Queen (aged 18+), Fairy Princess (Reception to Year 2),
Butterfly (Year 3 to Year 6), Princess (Year 7 to Year 13) and Prince (Reception to Year 6.)
“The selection day has always been a well-attended event, originally with a formal dance social however, we have changed with the times and chosen to make changes over the last few years to entice even more people to enter,” explained the chair of Melksham Carnival, Michelle.
Application forms will be available on the Melksham Carnival Facebook page with all the details. There is an entrance fee, which must be paid in cash and handed in to The Toy Moon.
Cuddly Carnival
This year, the team will be hosting a Cuddle Carnival event – a soft toy competition open to everyone, with soft toys judged in various categories. It costs £1 to enter each category, but you may enter as many as you like.
The categories are: Most Like the Owner, Best Loved, Vintage, Best Dressed, Handmade, Mythical /Magical, Softest and Squishiest.
“This will be judged by our current Carnival Butterfly and Fairy Princesses as well as a guest judge, Kayleigh from The Toy Moon,” says Michelle.
Carnival Cake-off
There will also be the first-ever Carnival Cake-Off. Participants can bake from any or all of the five categories at £1 per entry. The categories are: Scones, Decorated Cupcakes, Chocolate Heaven, Victoria Sponge and Biscuits.
Michelle said, “Please check our Facebook page for the details on each category, number required and times. This will be blind judged by our current Queen, Princess and Prince.”
All three events are being held on Sunday 16th March, with a drop off time for the cakes just before judging starts.
This year’s carnival is due to run on Saturday 5th July. For any questions, email melkshamcarnival@hotmail.com
Pictured: Carnival Royalty 2024 – butterfly princess Isabelle, prince Austin, fairy princess Tilly, princess Amy, carnival guardian Beth and queen Amy
