Carnival quartet: L to r, Harriet Carden-Howe, Millie Carter, Amelia Carden-Howe, Jessica Carter

Two sets of sisters from the same primary school will lead the parade at this summer’s Rose Queen Festival in Whaley Bridge.  They will be one of the youngest ever ‘royal families’ to take a leading role in the annual Festival.

Amelia Carden-Howe, seven, was a princess last year to the retiring Rose Queen, Annabel Wilde. She is too young to claim the crown herself, but organisers are delighted for Amelia and her five year old sister Harriet, who has been a petal, to take centre stage this year.  The sisters enjoy dancing, swimming, making new friends and riding.  Amelia says she would like to be the rose queen in the future.

Thanks, Annabel, Rose Queen for the last two years, with president Tony Mackey

Jessica Carter, eight and sister Millie, seven, will be attendant and rose bud with a place of honour in the float on Carnival day.  They are both keen dancers attending ballet and tap dancing lessons and recently started having piano lessons

All four of the royalty group live in Whaley Bridge, but attend Kettleshulme St James’ primary school.

This year’s carnival event will be on Saturday 28 June, with the parade starting at 1pm, an hour earlier than previous years.