A CARNIVAL committee has condemned a backlash after announcing a young boy would be this year’s ‘carnival queen’.
Organisers of the popular Ringwood Carnival say they informed police after allegedly receiving threats by people unhappy about its decision to give a 16-year-old boy its ‘carnival queen’ title.
In a now deleted social media post the committee announced the boy, who the Daily Echo is not naming, had been awarded the annual role for the forthcoming carnival event on Saturday, September 16.
A series of “negative comments”, the committee said, were then made by social media users against the decision.
In a public social media post, a carnival spokesperson said: “Due to some threats of disruption and abusive language, we have referred to the police for a safety review and evaluated any potential risks and safety concerns.
“Carnival is organised and delivered to the town by a committee of 15 volunteers, who put in an incredible amount of work to make this event happen. Public and private online abuse is something that nobody wishes to receive.
“We are grateful, however, to all those who have given feedback constructively.”
According to the committee, the young man has since been given a new role within a ‘Carnival Court’ procession alongside ‘carnival princesses’ from Ringwood and Poulner junior schools and members of the town council.
The committee spokesperson continued: “Carnival is a wonderful day for the town and can be enjoyed in so many different ways. So, we politely request to cease negative comments, and let’s all move forward positively whilst respecting each other’s views or opinions.
“The main aim is we want to have a fun and safe time.
“We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday 16th September for a festival of fun - we can’t wait to share the extent of entertainment organised for all the family for the day. It's going to be big.”
Ringwood Carnival has been a town tradition since 1928.
The first event after the Second World War was in 1950 and has continued annually since, except for a two year hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid.
The Daily Echo has contacted Hampshire Police for more information.
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