The race is on to trace seven Carnival Queens from yesteryear.
Accrington Carnival organisers are bidding to trace every Queen dating back to 1965 in order to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the event, which is held every two years.
May Edmundson, who is in charge of the Carnival Queen and Princess entries this year, said she is still trying to track down some names having got in touch with several of the past Carnival Queens.
May said: “I have names for every year except 1967, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1981, 1997 and 1999. If anybody knows any of the Queens from these years could they please get in touch.
“A lady called Margaret Askew sent me some photographs when she was Queen in 1969, as 1967 was the first Queen I’m hoping she can give me the name of her predecessor. I realise not everyone will want to take part but if we could get a picture of them as Queen I can then arrange for them to be enlarged for the Queen’s float.”
Bands booked for the day of the carnival on Saturday, June 13 include 53 Degrees North, The Sparkle Sisters and The Soundcasters. The theme for the carnival parade this year is fairytale and fantasy, while the theme on the field will be though the ages.
Entry to this year’s Carnival Queen contest is open to women aged between 16 and 30 who live or work in Hyndburn. The winner will receive £400 courtesy of Accrington and Rossendale College, a pamper day session at Seasons Hair and Beauty Salons, a tiara and a £40 voucher for shoes and handbag courtesy of Barbara Kays, flowers from Garlands florist and hair and make up on Carnival Day. There will also be prizes for the runners up.
The Queen judging event will take place on Thursday, May 7, and the deadline for applications is Friday, April 24.
Application forms and criteria can be downloaded from accringtoncarnival.co.uk and forms can be picked up from All the Rage and Barbara Kays. Completed forms should be taken to Trevor Adams Studio, Warner Street to arrange a photograph for publicity. If you are a former Carnival Queen or you know someone who was, please contact May Edmundson on 07806 093068 or Tracy Simmonds on 07971 772168.
The Accrington Lions carnival will be held at King George’s playing fields in Accrington.
