Westhoughton Community Network

group for and run by community groups in Westhoughton

Westhoughton Community Royalty

Carnival or Community Royalty is a long-held tradition that sees young girls and some boys dress up in beautiful gowns and suits for community events such as carnivals, fayres or pageants. Royalty would both represent their town, acting as ambassadors, and compete across regions; in competition, as well as dress and appearance, judging categories would include deportment and poise and conversation. Whilst many towns have lost their carnivals, the tradition of Community Royalty continues, and our royalty can be seen at events in and around Westhoughton and beyond, organised by dedicated volunteers and leaders, helped by the mums and dads, and the enthusiasm of the girls and boys who become royalty.

Community Royalty helping out at Grandma's Corner Christmas Fayre 2014 (Rainbow Crafts) Every year new charities are nominated and money raised for good causes. The Royalty more than happy to help out and be a feature of local events. Up until its demise in 2006 the crowning of our Carnival Royalty was a highlight of the Westhoughton Carnival. However, after a lull, in recent years thanks to the efforts of groups within the Westhoughton Community Network there are events - big and small - that take place throughout the summer months, and people get the chance to see this fine tradition.

The girls and boys who get involved enjoy dressing up and being a part of this vibrant community at events, or out and about such as visiting old folks homes. Those who are involved form friendships and grow in confidence. At the GM Police 'Westhoughton You Decide' funding competition in 2015 it was Community Queen, Bethany Chilton, who did the presentation in front of a room full of people, resulting in some funding being awarded.

Westhoughton Community Queens Association Crowning of Royalty at Westhoughton Big Fun Day June 2014 Currently, activities include competitions: two per year (own group); there are two competitions a month across the North West and in the summer months there are the carnivals and events. It is a sociable affair with parents joining in to enjoy days out and trips. There will be stalls and tombolas at events to raise funds for the chosen charities, a sponsored walk from Botany Bay (2016), psychic nights, supermarket bag-packing sessions, and stall tombolas… through this Westhoughton Community Royalty can raise significant sums. (In 2016 Manchester Children's Hospital, Wigan and Leigh Hospice and Bolton Hospice shared £2,454). A special Presentation Evening is held to hand over the money to the chosen charities.

Adding some colour, Community Royalty are often present at the popular Friends of Eatock Lodge Family Funday held in early September, with the girls in their dresses and running a stall raising money and giving a chance to visitors to find out more about the group. Photos from the day on the Eatock Lodge Facebook group.


Westhoughton Community Queens Association Petals at Eatock Lodge Funday 2011 Categories of Royalty

  • Petals – little girls less 5 years old.
  • Rosebuds – 5 to 7 years old.
  • Page Boys - 10 years old and under.
  • Princess – 8 to 10 years old.
  • Junior Queens – 11 to 13 years old.
  • Queen - 14 years and above.
    There will be deputies to stand in should the Queen not be available.

Community Royalty is for one year with an annual crowning / change of royalty event often taking place at one of the major summer community events. Is it expensive? No more than other social activities. Dresses which can be bought new or second-hand can be purchased from as little as £20 and up to £150.


Upcoming & Recent Events

Westhoughton Community Royalty - Selections for 2019-20 - 18th May 2019. 2019 - 2020 Selections | Saturday, 18th May 2019

Taking place at The Hub, Central Drive, Westhoughton BL5 3DS, the competition is for selections across all categories for 'royalty' duties for the coming year.

Categories being : Pageboy (4 to 10 years); Petal (2 to 4 years); Rosebud (5 to 7 years); Princess (8 to 10 years); Junior Queen (11 to 13 years) and Queen (14 years and above).

Doors open from 2:00pm with selections starting from 3:00pm. Free entry for Selections. Dress code is smartly dressed. Current royalty will show participants how to curtsy/bow as per normal conduct. On the day, those children selected will also be given details of the upcoming events and meetings. Your involvement and support keeps the tradition alive and this popular spectacle in the public eye. All are welcome to join us.

Contact Sandra Greenall for more information on 01942 814535.


Previous Events

Westhoughton Community Royalty have always been integral to community events from the days of Westhoughton Carnival which last took place in 2006. The community has since come together in other ways, with large-scale events such as: Howfenfest, It's A Knockout, the Yarn Bombing Festivals, Eatock Lodge Fundays, John Holt Showcase Days, and special events at Westhoughton Market where the girls (and boys) still uphold the tradition of community royalty. In addition, they are often seen at smaller school fayres over the summer, and beyond Westhoughton they will represent the town in regional competitions as part of a still-thriving royalty circuit.

During the 2015 Westhoughton Yarn Bombing Festival weekend, community royalty brought back a taste of the old carnival with a float tour parade through Market Street and around the town centre area - local character 'Billy P' providing the transport. Decorated vehicles could be viewed at the White Lion car park with visiting royalty joining the Westhoughton contingent.

Organisers with the support of participating parents work hard to ensure that royalty is presented well, and that the tradition lives on. New people are always welcome, as are participants in the various classes.

Westhoughton Community Queens Association Rose Country Competition - Royalty from the region gathering at The Mercury Hotel - 17 May 2015Rose County Competition

These regular royalty competition usually take place in the early summer and cover all categories, with visiting royalty from Horwich, Chorley and Adlington (towns that continue with their carnival traditions) joining the Westhoughton girls and boys.

Trophies are given for 1st place and certificates for 2nd and 3rd places. Any money raised on the day goes to two local charities.


Contact Information

Main contact Sandra Greenall (Chair).
E-mail: WCR
07730 954944

Facebook WCRWCR Facebook Group.

 

Back to top

Participating Groups

Local Amenities

Photos & Videos

Music

Useful Links

Community Events

  • Daisy Hill Station Improvements
    March to December 2024
    As part of 'Access for All' improvements station will see changes to ticket hall and installation of a lift and toilet, as well as car park changes. £4m project. Some disruption but services continue. Details at Friends of Daisy Hill Station page -
  • History Group
    Monthly meetings - 3rd Thurs (10:30am)
    Westhoughton Library
    After a busy 2023 including the Wingates Band Story exhibition celebrating the brass bands 150th anniversary (Q323), schedule resumes with speakers and special events for this popular heritage group. Next mtg 21/3 st March - Speaker Ruth Duckworth: My Life in Cricket (Part 2)
  • Rotary Christmas Float 2023
    During December Rotary Club of Westhoughton were out and about visiting local estates and will at Sainsbury's ahead of Christmas. As well as Santa and his Rotary Elves bringing Christmas cheer to young and old, it is an important fundraiser; this year £6,249 was raised to be shared out with local community organisations. £5,640 raised and shared in 2022 - Presentation evening 20/4/23; 19 organisations receiving cheques.
  • Hub at Westhoughton
    The Hub at Westhoughton on Central Drive is home to a range of groups and activities serving the community. Information Leaflet.
  • Westhoughton Library
    Library now open for books, general reading and computer access. With current refurbishment complete, community activities on both ground and upper floor have resumed. Info | Community Plans.
  • Robert Shaw / Book of Quint
    Special event with Ryan Dacko, author of 'The Book of Quint' took place at Wetherspoon's 1st July, celebrating Westhoughton-born Robert Shaw and introducing the backstory of the shark hunter from Jaws. It was a great success with people coming far and wide, leading to Amberley publishing deal.
  • WOW! Women of Westhoughton
    Thursdays from 7:00pm
    John Holt Centre (BL5 2NR)
    Est. 2013, women's group for shared interests, talks, outings & social networking. New meeting venue. Updated programme.
  • Daisy Hill FC Fixtures (Home)
    League Division 1 North
    New Sirs (BL5 2EB)
    Cutters season in full flow. New management, new signings and clubhouse improvements. Support your local team. KO Sat 3pm or Mon 7:45pm. £5 adults / £3 concession / £2 U18s / U12s free w/ adult.
  • Lockdown information (Covid-19)
    For 16 months life and community was disrupted by measures to deal with the pandemic. It has been a long and impactful period, thankfully things are opening up again there is a return to normal. Watch for updates as community re-engages here and on
    Westhoughton.net Facebook Page.
  • Town Centre Masterplan
    Proposals for investment in Town Centre (Market Street focus) were consulted upon in 2019-20 with a Steering Group meeting to discuss plans for £4m investment and significant changes to Market Street, Central Park, Carnegie Hall and Town Hall.
  • Hope Community Centre
    The Central Drive church and community space is currently closed pending refurbishment discussions with Bolton Council. Hope Church services take place in the Hub.
Westhoughton Community Network @wcn_ on Twitter Westhoughton Community Network Facebook Page | westhoughton.net