It was the final turn of Midsomer Norton last Friday, ennobling its Carnival Royalty with the latest turnout of candidates at the Town Hall.
Molly Starling, aged nine, was appointed Midsomer Norton Carnival Princess – there were no Prince entrants. Cori Derrick, aged ten, became Midsomer Norton Carnival Queen and Connor Smith, aged ten, became Midsomer Norton Carnival King.
Then at the Grand Final, all the Carnival Royals appointed over the last five weeks for Peasedown St John, Radstock, Clutton, Westfield and Midsomer Norton competed for the titles of District Carnival Royalty. The judging panel consisting of Kayley Evans, 2014 retiring Carnival Queen, Sue Hill, of the Susan Hill School of Dance, and Paul Myers, Mayor of Midsomer Norton.
Molly Starling (Midsomer Norton Carnival Princess) was appointed District Carnival Princess and Joshua Mobbs (Westfield Carnival Prince) won the District title. Megan Tokelove (Westfield Carnival Queen), won District Carnival Queen and Aaron Carver (Radstock Carnival King) was awarded the crown for the district. All four Grand Final winners will travel in the famous coach with all other heat winners also taking part in the procession in limousines.
“Overall, reviving the tradition of taking the Carnival Royalty competition on the road to towns and parishes around the Somer Valley has proved a huge success this year,” said Hazel Franklin, Secretary of the Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association. “We’ve had more entries than ever before and it has been really inspiring to see so many young people wanting to take an active part in their communities and local events in the coming year.
“I’d like to thank all those who not only took part, but the volunteers to help arrange the five weeks of competitions.”
All eyes are now on the big Carnival night on Monday, 16th November. This week, signs started going up all around the route as the countdown to Carnival continues.