The new Maldon Carnival Court was officially crowned last week (Wednesday, 11 August) after a year-long wait due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Traditionally, the Carnival Court is crowned at the beginning of Carnival Week, one week before Carnival Day. This was not possible this year, however, due to Covid-19 and the cancellation of the procession.

The new court members - Queen Eleanor-Mae, senior princesses Anya and Grace, junior princesses Mia and Amy and ambassador Daisy - were crowned by the town mayor, Councillor David Ogg, and the deputy town mayor, Councillor Andrew Lay.

A spokesperson for Maldon Carnival said: "The new court was greeted by a beautiful horse and carriage and enjoyed a ride visiting Brewster House Care Home then travelling up to Maldon High Street, around the town, and finishing at All Saints Church."

The ceremony then took place at Maldon Town Hall.

Among the guests who greeted the girls at the town hall was Councillor Ogg, Mr Wakefield from the Plume School, Miss Cleghorn from Great Totham Primary School and Morrison's community champion Kathy Vale.

Guests said goodbye to 2019 carnival princess Abigail Gosshawk, after which the court members made a promise to Councillor Ogg that they would represent the town and do their best as a member of the court.

The mayor then officially crowned the new court in front of their friends and family.

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The spokesperson said: "Queen Eleanor-Mae made a heartwarming acceptance speech on behalf of her new court.

"After the ceremony, the court and guests enjoyed an afternoon tea with cream and cakes.

"The girls then got their nails painted by Scarlett Nails and their portrait drawn by Hen the Pen Caricaturist.

"Maldon Carnival is hoping to carry on our traditional carnival procession next year."