Time running out to become Littlehampton’s Carnival Queen

Lucie Feltham, 14, and Natasha-Jane Townsend, 17, are the latest hopefuls bidding for the title as the competition enters its final stages.

Lucie used to live on the carnival procession route and could watch the parade go by from right outside her home. Now, she would love to be riding on the special float as one of the carnival royals. She still lives in the town, goes to school in Haywards Heath and enjoys drama, singing and swimming.

Two years ago, Natasha-Jane, who lives in Wick and is a sixth-form student at Angmering, was chosen as one of the carnival princesses, but this time hopes to take the top spot, as Carnival Queen. “I really enjoyed being a princess, we had a fun time together and I felt at home doing all the things we did.”

Littlehampton Carnival Association wants to hear from young women keen to represent the town both at the carnival itself – on July 11 – and other community events during the year. The competition is open to any girls aged between 14 and 17, who live within a six-mile radius of Littlehampton.

Would-be royals are being asked to complete a form (right) and send in a photo of themselves. Or they can enter on the Littlehampton Carnival Association official Facebook page.

All the contestants will then be featured in the Gazette, after entry to the competition closes on March 12.

Judges will determine who the Carnival Queen is by assessing entrants on their personality, speaking ability and overall appearance. The two runners-up will serve as carnival princesses.

The new Carnival Queen will receive £200, a designer dress and day wear, the Cuff Miller Trophy and a replica trophy to keep, while the princesses will each receive £100, a designer dress, day wear and trophy.