Royal reward is a place in the sun for the carnival’s big day

We teamed up with the carnival organisers to launch the Carnival Queen competition a fortnight ago, and today there’s another chance to join in the running.

The Littlehampton Carnival Association wants to hear from young women keen to represent the town both at the carnival itself, 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. Alternatively, they can enter on the Littlehampton Carnival Association official Facebook page.

All the contestants will then be featured in future editions of the Gazette, after entry to the competition closes on February 26.

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

Last year’s Carnival Queen, Mariah Lee, of Littlehampton, had the privilege of leading the 40th anniversary celebration of the carnival and met a contingent of the town’s former royals, who travelled from across the country for the occasion.

Since being crowned the Carnival Queen in March last year – aged just 15 – Mariah also appeared at the Littlehampton Bonfire Night celebrations, as well as other functions across Littlehampton, including the Carnival Christmas Fun Day in December.

Prizes are still to be officially announced for this year’s competition, but are likely to include cash, stunning gowns and special day wear for the girls to keep.

The carnival is on July 11.