There are great plans to make this year’s Ross Carnival bigger and better than the last.

A key event in the run up to the carnival is the crowning of the Carnival Princess, and then all the entrants ride alongside the Princess on her float on the day of the Carnival.

Wanting to bring the Carnival into the 21st century, and promote equality and inclusiveness, the committee came up with the idea of holding a Carnival Prince competition. The suggestion was put to the public and feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Committee member, Andrew Buffrey told the Ross Gazette: “It was important to give boys the opportunity to be part of the carnival experience and have the opportunity to shine as well. We’ve heard from parents that they and their boys are really excited about the opportunity to take part”.

The competition for the Carnival Prince and Princess will take place on Sunday, May 20th at 2pm in the Larruperz Centre. Children must be aged six-13 to enter and be accompanied by an adult.

People are encouraged to keep up to date with the Ross-on-Wye Town Carnival Facebook page for updates about the day, what to expect and the exciting prizes the committee are working on.

The newly appointed Princess, Prince and attendants will need to be able to participate in this year’s Carnival by riding on the float on Saturday, August 4th. The Princess and Prince will also have the opportunity to represent the carnival at events throughout the year.

For those who aren’t within this age group or would like to do something else, applications are also open for floats and walking processions for carnival day.

Committee member Becky Flynn told us that for three years she walked in the procession with her god-daughter Bea, and her family in fancy dress, and was on the carnival float as a child herself.

She said: “Nothing beats coming around that corner and seeing the crowd lining up to see you on Gloucester Road on Carnival Day. The sense of community is so positive and overwhelming and the children really enjoy being part of it and feel so proud. I’d really encourage people to enter or get in touch for more details”.

The committee would like to thank the community and local businesses for their ongoing support.

If anyone is interested in becoming part of the committee, volunteering on the day or would like to sponsor an element of the festival they can get in touch via the Facebook page, the website Rosscarnival.org.uk or by emailing: [email protected]