ANTIGUA CARNIVAL

“Expect the unexpected.” That’s the only promise the delegates made during the ceremony, as they have no plans to share details on how they plan to wow those who attend the show on Monday, July 30. The six contestants were among an initial batch of 11 queen hopefuls who underwent vigorous screening, training and judging before the final cut.
 

Shane Marsh, chairperson of Queen of Carnival Sub-committee said, “The 11 delegates were all really, really good and the six we have left edged out the others. They were judged in question and answer, performing talent, and swimsuit segments. I have six beautiful and intelligent girls and without a doubt I can say this year’s carnival will be one of the best.”
 

Marsh, who has trained many contestants in previous pageants, said this year’s organisers have changed the rules to give the delegates more room to be creative and to do the things that would make them comfortable on stage in their talent and swimwear segments.
 

“Over the years, the girls were only allowed one stage prop and the same colour swimsuit in either two-pieces or one piece. Now this year, we are changing all of that. If it is you need 10 props to make that talent the winning performing talent then so be it. For swimsuit, we are giving the young ladies the opportunity to be creative along with their dressmakers.

We just want the young ladies to be comfortable and to be in what is most comfortable on stage so they can perform their best. They don’t have to follow our theme, they can create their own theme,” Marsh said.
 

Over the years, the organisers’ main problem has been to secure sponsorship for each delegate. So, this time around, Marsh said a sponsorship cocktail would be held so the potential sponsors, some of whom have already come forward, will get to meet and choose the delegate they wish to have represent them.
 

Carnival officially kicks off with the opening parade on July 28 and will climaxed with Last Lap on the evening of August 7