Dereham Carnival King, Queen and attendants are chosen for July 16 parade

Zachery Kneller will be this year's Dereham Carnival King (Image: Archant)

Youngsters vying for the chance to be crowned in the key roles at this summer's event gathered at Northgate High School on Saturday morning.

They were asked to create a piece of artwork which detailed their favourite things from food to holidays to books as well as explaining why they would like to be Carnival King or Queen.

Judges Steph Smart, Serena Aris and Kathryn Cross then had the almost impossible decision of choosing the children to take centre stage on the Carnival float leading the parade on Sunday, July 16.

After much debate they whittled it down to four and picked Olivia Hunt as Carnival Queen, Zachery Kneller as Carnival King with Isobel Hammond and Eva Cutler as the attendants.

Isobel Hammond will be an attendant for Dereham Carnival. She is pictured accepting a cupcake and flower from Carnival mascot Biscuit (Image: Archant)

Mrs Cross, this newspaper's reporter for Dereham, said: 'We loved meeting and chatting to all the children and there was something special about each and every one, which made our decision so incredibly difficult.

'We hope that those who were not chosen this time will try again next year, but first come along and enjoy the carnival this summer which I am sure will be even more successful than last year's.'

All the children were presented with a cupcake made by Carnival chairman Kerry Doyle, who thanked everyone for coming along, and a flower from Bright and Beautiful.

Eva Cutler will be an attendant for the Dereham Carnival. She is given a cupcake and flower from Biscuit the Dereham Carnival mascot (Image: Archant)

Dereham Carnival 2017

McDonald's are once again supporting the music stage on Carnival Day and a great line up will be announced shortly. Music will be on the main stage on the Recreation Ground from midday.

There will also be a main arena with displays and entertainment, lots of activities and great food.

Last year there were over 25 floats in the parade and applications are now open to take part this year. It is free to enter.

There will be over 75 stalls on the recreation ground in the craft, business and charities village. Applications for this year are now closed as all the spaces have been taken.

The Carnival committee is always looking for volunteers to help on the day, so if you think you've got what it takes, go to the website to register.

For more information visit www.derehamcarnival.co.uk Don't forget about the dog show

The Dereham Carnival Dog Show is back for it's second year at Swanton Morley Village Hall on Sunday, April 30.

The event is a main fundraiser for the Carnival but will also be supporting the Dogs Trust in the Charity Stake Class.

Class entry is on the day but stalls can be booked in advance via the website.