Littlehampton Carnival Queen competition hoping for a final flourish

We know that somewhere out there, or among the teenagers who have already entered, is a royal-in-waiting to lead this year’s summer celebration, on July 11.

So we are now giving you until March 19, a week today, to join the race.

Someone who has done just that is Lois Reed, 17, from Wick, a professional cookery student at Worthing’s Northbrook College. Lois was a runner-up last year, serving as a princess on the day and at various community events since then. Now she hopes to go one better and claim the queen’s crown.

Lois’ signature dish is a tasty macaroni cheese served with lashings of bacon, but she hopes to find the recipe for success in the carnival competition, too.

Littlehampton Carnival Association is organising the competition, for young women keen to represent the town at the carnival itself, and other community events. The competition is open to girls aged 14 to 17, living in a six-mile radius of Littlehampton.

Would-be carnival royals are asked to complete the form (right) and send in their photo. Alternatively, they can enter on the Littlehampton Carnival Association official Facebook page.

Judges will select the queen by assessing entrants on 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.

Littlehampton business Ockendens Ltd is sponsoring the Carnival Queen’s cash prize.

And just a final reminder, the new deadline is March 19.