Sheringham carnival committee members are appealing for community-minded young women to take a starring role in this year's festivities by entering the carnival queen selection event, which takes place at the Two Lifeboats Hotel this week.
Vice-chairman Della McClean, whose husband Stuart is carnival chairman, said the selection evening was 'definitely not a beauty contest.'
'It is so much more than sitting on a float waving,' she explained. 'It is about being the face of Sheringham during carnival week, helping your community and, with the duck race, street races and beach sports, it is also about not being afraid to join in and get your hands dirty.'
The carnival queen and her attendants, who should be aged 16 or over and either live, work or go to school within a five mile radius of the town, will need to be available during carnival week, which runs from July 29 to August 6, and on Cromer carnival parade day.
Duties include visiting local residential homes, attending events, helping choose the prince and princess, and judging competitions.
'We are looking for someone who is carnival spirited, outgoing, and who enjoys talking to people,' Mrs McClean said.
As well as winning cash prizes, those chosen by a panel of judges will have their hair and make-up done during carnival week, and be given a gown provided by a local dress shop.
Emma Louise Glover, who was attendant for the second time last year, said taking part in the carnival was a 'fantastic' experience.
'It is just brilliant,' she added. 'You really get to see how much hard work goes into it and you get to enjoy the carnival from a different viewpoint.'
Emma, whose parents have been involved in the annual event for 17 years, appealed to anyone not sure about trying their luck at becoming carnival queen to attend the selection dance.
She said: 'It is definitely worth entering, it is great fun, you get to represent your community and, for me, the highlights were going all the events and visiting care homes to chat to residents who might otherwise not get a chance to be involved in the carnival.'
Sheringham carnival queen selection dance kicks off at 7.30pm on Friday at the Two Lifeboats Hotel. To enter, phone 01263 824987 or just go along on the night.
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