Carnival Queen aims to kick-off reign with bumper fund-raiser

Emma Hanson, a 10-year-old pupil of St Thomas School, was crowned at last month’s Carnival and has her sights set on helping to provide a major boost to the coffers of cancer charity Marie Curie.

The fundraising year gets under way in earnest on Saturday with a family fun day at The Links pub in Heeley Road, St Annes - and Emma and her retinue are hoping for a bumper attendance.

A barbecue, tombola, children’s karaoke and a free bouncy castle will all be among the features of the event, which starts at 1pm, while a karaoke and disco will follow in the evening, with all proceeds going to Marie Curie, which is this year’s Carnival charity.

Chef attendant Josslyn Wibberley will accompany Emma, along with fellow retinue members Jolena Wibberley, Bess Motrow, Jenny Kelly and Sophia Thompson and Emma’s dad Matt said: “Emma is really looking forward to it and we hope to see plenty of people there.

“The fund-raising has already got off to a great start with £500 raised at ‘dress down’ days at St Thomas and Heyhouses School, which Emma and members of her retinue attend, and we hope to see plenty of cash raised on Saturday.”

St Annes Carnival is the only carnival on the Fylde to specifically raise money for local charities, donating some £100,000 since 1978. Last year, Carnival Queen Hannah Jeffrey raised £6,000 for the North West Air Ambulance.

Events to follow include a ladies’ night, while the Carnival Ball, a hit on its debut last autumn, will be at the Bedfiord Hotel on October 1.