Youngsters appointed as Halesowen Carnival royalty
Four young people have been recognised for overcoming personal difficulties by being appointed as 'royalty' ahead of this year's Halesowen Carnival.
Seventeen-year-old Labique Ahmad was crowned king with 20-year-old Meggan Griffin appointed queen.
The 'Royal Family' have been sponsored by Sadler’s Ales - one of the breweries that will be in attendance at the carnival’s food and drink festival on July 1.
It comes as it was announced the carnival will be spread over two fields this year due to increasing popularity.
The unveiling of the group took place on May 13 at in Halesowen Town Centre.
As part of the revealing, Danse Vivante and Cannon Dance Academy performed a flash mob which made shoppers stop in their tracks and gather around Somer’s Square.
King Labique is a student at King Edward College in Stourbridge studying for his A levels.
He was nominated because of the tremendous amount of community work he does through his mosque.
This work includes litter picking, charity collections, feeding the homeless, snow clearing and helping out at events such as charity walks and the carnival.
Queen Meggan Griffin works as admin assistant for a company in Halesowen.
She was nominated for her community work with the carnival and she is raising money for charities Cancer Research UK and Macmillan in memory of her brother who died from the disease.
Prince Henry Torrington is a pupil at Lutley Primary School and was nominated because of his brave battle with kidney failure.
Two years ago his life was threatened with final stage kidney failure and thanks to Birmingham Children’s Hospital his life was saved.
Princess Olivia Hanks has overcome personal tragedy in the past year. She is a talented singer and dancer and often performs at charity events.
Councillor Stuart Henley, carnival chair, said: "I am so pleased with how well the carnival preparation is coming along.
"It is becoming so popular and we want as much variety as possible, so we applied to use the field adjacent to one we have used the past few years which can also be accessed from Bundle Hill as well as from the main field. We are pleased to say that our application was successful.”
The carnival will take place at Highfield Park on July 1.
TV weather presenter Des Coleman will open the event alongside former Villa legend Tony Daley.
If anyone wants to volunteer on the day to help or give sponsorship please contact halesowencarnival@gmail.com.
