The hunt is on for Barnstaple Carnival 2025 royalty

The hunt is on for this year’s Barnstaple Carnival ‘Royal Family’ with the town’s young people offered the chance to be treated like royalty for a day.

Anyone in the EX31 and EX32 postcodes aged between 10 and 18 is welcome to apply and have the chance to lead the parade on Saturday, September 20 aboard the newly refurbished Barnstaple Carnival Royalty Float.

Applications are now open for the roles of Carnival Queen plus two attendants and entries close on Sunday, July 13, with a contest to select the winners taking place at the Castle Centre, Barnstaple, on Thursday, July 17 at 6pm.

As well as taking centre stage in the carnival parade, those successful, will act as ambassadors for the town at similar events across North Devon and some civic events.

On the day itself they will be treated like ‘Royalty’, with a Cream Tea reception, regal regalia and a trophy as a memorable keepsake of the day’s events.

Barnstaple Carnival project manager Kev Behan said: “This is a great opportunity for young people to take an interest in the town.

“Many feel it’s an outdated institution to have a ‘Carnival Queen’ in 2025 and the team are keen to evolve the position but, as it stands, we are keen to promote the advantages … ‘what better way to get young people involved with the town?”

“Previous champions have gone on to be very successful in business - using the communication skills and the confidence built through public appearance during 12 months “in office” to their long term benefit.”

For more details and to download an application form, please visit the Barnstaple Carnival website at www.barnstaplecarnival.org.uk