"Glamour" was the call of the day when the contestants for the 2009 Redbrige Carnival Queen took the stage. All the women and girls were bright, intelligent, dressed immaculately and caused the judges no-end of trouble as the margins between them were difficult. The event was delayed by over 30minutes as the judges battled it out to have their favourite candidates win. The judges include The Mayor Cllr Chan, his wife Madame Mayor Chan, Jean Challis (a former Romford Carnival Queen and a founder member of the original Redbridge Carnival from 1968), Alison Upchurch (0ne of the very early Redbridge Carnival Queens) and Punit Hare the first ever Redbridge Carnival Queen from the new association.

The Selected Carnival Queen is Kaijal Pahl from Ilford (centre)

The first Princess is Jessica Baker from South Woodford (left)

The second Princess is Katie Woolnoth from South Woodford (right)

The winners were chosen after assessment of their commitment, voluntary/community work, communication and manner - this is not a beauty contest!. It is hoped that they will represent the borough as Ambassadors and will be present on the Mayors New Years Day Parade Float. The Carnival Queens will now lead our procession on the 6th September 2009 and they will also be present over the two days of carnival. We hope that they will provide an enduring image of professionalism and community to all who attend. Dont forget from 12:00 - 20:00 on the 5th and 6th Septmber 2009 our event will be in Valentines Park (Melbourne Fields).

Throughout the event we were entertained by live DJ and wonderful performances by Alexandra School of Performing Arts (Thriller rendition and cabaret acts), Khatak Dancing, and Elektra (tribal fusion belly dancing See picture). Our thanks to all the performers. It should be noted in particular that the two princesses performed in 3 ASPA cabaret performances and still displayed the correct poise, demeanour and appearance to impress our judges!