Following the success of last year’s programme of bringing Carnival into the heart of the community, there will be a round of Carnival Royalty events to represent towns and parishes across the Somer Valley. The first heat will take place in Peasedown St John on Friday, 23rd September at the Beacon Hall between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Entry to the competition to become Carnival Queen, King, Prince and Princess for Peasedown St John for the next twelve months is free. Just come along on Friday, 23rd to the Beacon Hall and there will be two age entry categories, 5-9 years and 10-18 years. On arrival,entrants will be asked to complete a form (with a parent/guardian if under sixteen) and will be given a number to be called up and answer three questions relating to why they would make a good member of Carnival Royalty for Peasedown St John. A panel of judges will select the four winners and at the end of the evening, these will be announced.

“Our idea is that there will be a series of heats following the one in Peasedown St John – with event dates for Paulton (30th September in the Village Hall), Westfield (14th October at Westhill Club), Radstock (21st October at the Victoria Hall) and Midsomer Norton (28th October at the Town Hall). Each event will select a Carnival Queen, King, Princess and Prince,” said Hazel Franklin, from the Midsomer Norton and District Carnival Association.

“All the town and parish winners will then enter a Grand Final on Friday, 28th October at Midsomer Norton Town Hall at 7.30 p.m. to determine the District Carnival Royalty for 2016 who will travel in the glass coach at the head of the procession on the night of Monday, 14th November 2016.

“The four District winners will win prize money of £50 each for King and Queen and £25 each for Prince and Princess. The runners-up from each area will also take part in the procession on Carnival night.”

The Carnival Royalty programme is just one part of plans to create a bigger and better event this year. The Carnival will start in Charlton Road, travel down Silver Street, up the High Street and end on Radstock Road. Already entries have been received from prestigious County Carnival Clubs, an encouraging sign for this year’s Midsomer Norton Carnival.