THE hunt is on for the new Astwood Bank Carnival Royalty as Astwood Bank Carnival Committee gears up for the summer festivities.

As in previous years, applications are now open for the positions of carnival queen, prince, princess and rosebud.

The carnival royalty will lead the procession around the village on carnival day (July 13) as well as attend other events throughout the year.

Among other duties they will hand out the grants to organisations who successfully apply for funding from the non-profit making carnival.

Vicky Johnson, who is leading on anointing this year’s royalty, said: “Finding royalty is always great fun, we always look forward to meeting all of our applicants, and wish everyone great success.

"Being a member of Carnival Royalty is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are so pleased to be able to offer this again this year.”

Applicants for the position of queen need to be aged 12 to 18 years old and live within 10 miles of Astwood Bank.

Budding queens need to include a short letter of interest as to why they would like to become the carnival queen and should contact Vicky Johnson either by e-mail at vicky.dj@hotmail.co.uk or by post to: Flat 2, 1196 Evesham Road, Astwood Bank, Redditch, B96 6AA.

To be eligible for the role of prince, princess or rosebud people must either live in Astwood Bank, or attend school or a club in the area.

Potentially princes and princesses must be aged between seven and 11, and budding rosebuds must be aged five to seven years old.

Although the application date for carnival royalty prince, princess and rosebud is the same, the ‘interview’ process is very much focussed on a talent competition.

Whether that is sport, dancing, playing a musical instrument, or reading a poem, all talents are welcome at a special event on May 11 at Astwood Bank First school.

Application forms for these positions are available on astwoodbankcarnival.co.uk

The deadline for all applications for all positions is April 19.

Unfortunately no applications beyond that date can be considered.