Accrington Lions crowned their 25th Carnival Queen last night at a packed Brooks Club.
Fourteen contestants showed off their beauty, poise and personality to a panel of judges including the Observer, Accrington and Rossendale College, Barbara Kays, Garlands Florists and J2A Hair and Beauty in a bid to be crowned the next Carnival Queen for the 50th anniversary of the Carnival.
After the first round of judging, five semi finalists were chosen and were questions on stage by members of the Accrington Lions.
Eighteen-year-old student Bethany Donohue, from Foxwood Chase, Accrington was crowned the winner after impressing judges with her ambitions of becoming a primary school teacher and working with disadvantaged children.
After receiving her crown and prizes, which included £400 from Accrington and Rossendale College, a pamper day session at Seasons Hair & Beauty Salons, a tiara and £40 voucher for shoes and handbag courtesy of Barbara Kays, flowers from Garlands florist and hair and make up on Carnival Day, Bethany said she was delighted to win.
She said: “I just want to thank everyone so much. I love Accrington, everybody at university knows me as the girl from Accrington.”
Law student Molly Greenwood, 20, came in second place and 19-year-old Sarah Louise Munroe was third.
Outgoing carnival queen Kimberley Robinson said she was “gutted” that her reign as Carnival Queen had come to an end.
She said: “I’ve loved doing it, it’s been a great experience.
“I’ve enjoyed getting involved in different events and getting to know all of the Lions.
“I’m really going to miss being the Carnival Queen, it’s been a big achievement. My advice to the new Queen is just to be yourself and appreciate your role.
“All the girls are beautiful and they’ve been great, I hope they had fun.”
The Accrington Lions carnival will be held on Saturday, June 13 at King George’s Playing Fields with a fairytale and fantasy-themed procession winding through the town centre before the carnival and a host of attractions organised by the Lions begins.
For more information visit www.accringtoncarnival.co.uk or search for the Famous Accrington Lions Community Carnival on Facebook
