THE carnival court queen and princesses enjoyed a long-awaited official crowning.

Maldon Carnival court was officially crowned by the town mayor and deputy town  mayor after a year-long wait, on Wednesday, August 11.

Traditionally the court would have been crowned at the start of carnival week, one week before carnival day.

However, due to Covid and the cancellation of the procession, this was not possible.

The new court members were greeted by a horse and carriage and enjoyed a ride visiting Brewster House care home, travelling up to Maldon High Street, around the town and dropped off at All Saints Church.

The ceremony took place at the town hall where the girls were met by mayor David Ogg, Carl Wakefield of Plume School, Miss Cleghorn from Great Totham Primary School, and Kathy Vale from Morrisons Community Champion.

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It began with a goodbye to 2019 carnival princess Abigail Gosshawk.

Then the court members made a promise to the town mayor, David Ogg, to represent the town and do their best as a member of the court.

The mayor officially crowned the new court in front of a crowd of friends and family.

Queen Eleanor-Mae made a heartwarming acceptance speech on behalf her new court.

After the ceremony, the court and guests enjoyed an afternoon tea with cream and cakes.

The girls had their nails painted by Scarlett Nails and their portrait drawn by caricature artist, Hen the Pen.

A spokesman for the carnival said: "Maldon Carnival is hoping to carry on the traditional carnival procession next year."