The Queen of Witham Carnival Court described her coronation as “surreal” after her special day and is looking forward to the year of events ahead.
Emma Hopegood, 16, was crowned senior queen of the carnival yard.
The court is made up of a number of young children and adults between the ages of six and 25, who are chosen each year by a panel of judges, including the town’s mayor, MP and businessmen and women.
They are chosen based on personality, speech and personality, rather than a typical beauty pageant.
The purpose of the court is to help guide and encourage them to grow, feel more confident as a person and improve their personality.
The court takes part in around 30 to 35 events a year, including visits to other carnival parades across Essex, local events organized by the town council and invites to care homes and parties.
Carly Victor has been the court leader since 2010.
She said: “I first got involved in carnival in 1999 at the age of 13 and quickly realized how much fun it was to make new friends from different towns and take part in local events representing my town.
“It taught me how to have conversations with different people and it improved my confidence and built my personality and character.
“I had the great honor of being chosen as queen in 2004, which was the best days of my life.”
“I always tell people if it wasn’t for the carnival, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
Newly crowned queen Emma said: “In March 2019 I was chosen to represent the town of Witham as carnival queen and after three years of anticipation the carnival finally took place.
“I had waited so long to have my big day as queen that the whole event felt so surreal, from greeting visiting queens to giving speeches and being part of the procession on the day, it certainly kept me on my toes. .
“I had so much fun interacting with the community and spending the day with my new court. This along with an excited and supportive crowd created the most perfect and unbeatable atmosphere.
“The day looked like a fairy tale and things could not have gone better.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the day and look forward to spending the year with my yard attending carnivals and other functions.”
