Swanage Carnival Queen gears up for biggest week of her life

Swanage Carnival Queen Maria Smith is gearing up for the busiest week of her life.

Organisers are describing this year’s event, from Saturday July 30 to Saturday August 6, as bigger and better than ever with more than 100 events lined up.

The attractions include music, sport, fireworks, fun events and the carnival procession which has the theme ‘Sitcoms.’

The procession, on Sunday July 31, will follow a 2.5 mile route and includes marching bands.

The carnival firework displays are on Saturday July 30 and August 6 and Wednesday August 3.

Maria, 15, a student at The Purbeck School, said she was “over the moon” at becoming carnival queen.

Mum Ann added: “Taking part in the procession will be a real highlight and I couldn’t be prouder.”

This year’s carnival queen was sponsored by Ellis Jones Solicitors.

Partner Craig Wells said: “As a law firm rooted in Swanage, it’s a real pleasure to support a fantastic community event which generates such a ‘feel good’ factor.”

Last year’s Swanage Carnival raised £20,000 which was distributed to 25 charities.

The 2017 event will take place from July 29 to August 5.