Carnival crowns new queen

competition on Saturday evening, with Melissa James and Nicole Curtis coming second and third respectively. ‘‘Everyone was really lovely.’’ This year’s event combined the Queen of the Carnival and Miss Caroline Bay into a single competition, in response to dwindling numbers in previous years.

Caroline Bay Carnival entertainment manager Kevin Fahey said it was a success. ‘‘I think we can be pleased with the number and quality of entrants.’’

He said they also moved the event, which in its previous forms took place over New Year’s Eve, to later in the week.

‘‘It worked out well. It coincided with the talent quest, and we got a really good crowd.

‘‘In previous years, we might have struggled with getting entrants as people wanted to do their own thing on New Year’s

‘‘Be bold. Don’t be afraid, and don’t worry about whether you conform to the normal beauty standards.’’ Leah Middlemiss, Holiday Queen of the Carnival

Eve,’’ Fahey said.

This year’s Queen of the Carnival event included streetwear and evening wear categories.

Middlemiss has some advice for anyone wishing to give it a go.

‘‘Be bold. Don’t be afraid, and don’t worry about whether you conform to the normal beauty standards.’’