St Helens chose its Carnival Royalty for the 2024 season last Saturday. Matilda Squibb was selected as Carnival Queen. She will be attended by Belle Delannoy, Emily Brewer-Smith and Clara Hughes
The Carnival Season starts in Newport on Saturday 24th July and St Helens will be holding their annual Village Sports and Carnival parade on August Bank Holiday Monday, as well as participating in all the Main and Illuminated Parades.
125th Anniversary
It is a special year for St Helens as they are celebrating the 125th Anniversary of their Sports and Carnival.
The first event took place on 16th September 1899 and featured events such as the ‘Slow Bicycle Race for Ladies’, the ‘Bucket of Water Race’ and a ‘Bun Competition’ in the programme.
In the carnival parade that followed prizes were awarded to the best costumes, including the ‘gentleman’s’ prize going to ‘Organ Grinder’ the girls prize going to ‘Turkish girl’ and the ‘boys special’ prize going to ‘Tobacco’! It was reported that ‘Dancing and a confetti battle occupied the remainder of the evening.’
Plans for 2024
The organising Committee are hoping to bring some of the elements of what happened in 1899 to the 2024 Sports and are organising additional events to mark 125 years of the Sports and Carnival. The team is also constructing a Carnival float that will celebrate the anniversary.
As has always been the case, the Sports and Carnival Committee relies on volunteers to help with the work that has to be undertaken throughout the year.
If anyone is interested in helping please contact the Parish Clerk, Jacky Matthews on [email protected]
News shared by Jonathan as Chair of St Helens Sports and Carnival Association. Ed
