ANDOVER Carnival Royals from years gone by celebrated 100 years of the popular community event last month.

To honour and remember carnival queens, princes, princesses and attendants, some of those who have represented the town over the years were onboard a centenary float on Sunday, July 21. 

Jean Davis (nee Wardell) was oldest Carnival Queen, having won her crown in 1961. Also present was Susan Smith (nee Tarrant), Junior Queen 1965 and Verna Jones, Miss Andover 1971, and Sally-Anne Lawrence (nee Neve) who was the 50th anniversary Golden Queen in 1974.

READ MORE: Best 74 photos from Andover Carnival has thousands celebrate 100th anniversary

Glenda Vincent (Thomson), Carnival Princess 1966, left, Alana Willis in Glenda’s gown Judith Rees, Miss Andover 1975, Carmen Dennis, Royal 1997, and a few more recent ones were Samantha Carp, Royal, Ellie Gisbourne Royal and Prince, Logan Dueblack, all from 2018, were also present.

The Royals were joined by Royals Ambassador, Iris Andersen, who chaperoned young Royals from 2008, escorting them to community events such as shop openings.

Another special guest on board was generous 2024 platinum sponsor, Dr Rome Candy.

Many Royals had kept mementoes from their carnival years, and one of those was Glenda Vincent, Carnival Princess 1966, who was unable to join the float but loaned her original dress which was worn by Alana Willis, along with her bag and the golden key.

The float, organised by Larna Burley, was beautifully decorated with flowers, balloons and a huge golden crown.