History will be made when three young lads take the place of the traditional Carnival Queen and Princesses at this month’s Swanage Carnival.
Alex Lucas, 12, Seb Wright, 11, and nine-year-old Reece Johnson won a competition to select the event’s first-ever carnival ambassadors.
The decision to abandon the Carnival Queen and Princess roles came after organisers said they ‘took onboard’ feedback from residents and supporters.
The appointment of ambassadors is aimed at engaging more youth involvement with the carnival, described as the biggest of its type on the South Coast.
This year’s event, from Saturday July 27 to Saturday August 3, is bigger and better than ever.
Hundreds of activities are taking place during the eight-day bonanza including music, sport, fireworks and fun events.
The carnival procession, which has the theme ‘Swanage Goes Musical’, is on Sunday July 28. It follows a 2.5 mile route and includes marching bands.
The carnival firework displays are on Saturday July 27 and August 3 and Wednesday July 31.
This year’s carnival ambassadors are sponsored by Ellis Jones Solicitors. The Swanage law firm is also sponsoring the Gin Bar.
Partner Craig Wells said: “Swanage Carnival is a fantastic community effort which generates a real ‘feel good’ factor. As a law firm rooted in Swanage, it’s our absolute pleasure to once again support such a great event.”
Last year’s Swanage Carnival raised more than £28,000 for 23 chosen charities. This year’s event is raising money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Southern Spinal Injuries Trust and Swanage Stroke Club.