Organisers of Ringwood Carnival, a longstanding Hampshire tradition since 1928, have stood down from their decision to crown a 16 year-old boy as this year’s ‘queen’ after a public backlash. The Mail has the story.
Ringwood Carnival bosses have now withdrawn the announcement that the youngster would be leading proceedings after online trolls hit out at the “woke, ideological” decision.
Last year, it named a 16 year-old girl as ‘carnival queen’, and she was paraded through the streets on a horse-drawn carriage.
Following trolling, organisers have instead appointed the boy, named only as James, as a carnival ‘ambassador’ – and called in Hampshire Police to assess the viability of threats of “disruption and abusive language”.
Promoters of the traditional event in the Hampshire town, a few miles north-east of Bournemouth, have hit out at abusive followers and said the teen had been left “upset” by the backlash.
They have convened a ‘carnival court’ made up of James, local civic heads and carnival ‘princesses’ from local schools – who will travel separately in the parade on September 16th.
A post on the carnival’s Facebook page read: “Since that time [announcing James as queen], due to some threats of disruption and abusive language (both publicly and privately), we have referred to the police for a safety review and evaluated any potential risks and safety concerns.
“James is well, although upset. He is still keen to be a part of the carnival but will be taking on a slightly different role as Ambassador.
“As James is over 16, he is able to make these decisions himself and we and his family support him.
“For the safety and wellbeing of everybody, the Carnival committee has now formed a Carnival Court.
“The Carnival Court will travel across a number of vehicles, with James travelling separately – all led by the truly magnificent Sampson Percheron Horses.”
Organisers added: “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.
“So let’s all move forward unanimously. So, we politely request to cease negative comments, and let’s all move forward positively whilst respecting each other’s views or opinions.”
Comments were disabled on the latest post – but the backlash has continued elsewhere on the Ringwood Carnival’s Facebook page.
One local wrote: “Absolutely astonishing that (since I can’t post on the actual statement) that you are so incensed about a backlash you have entirely caused caused yourselves.
“Boys are not girls. If you wanted a boy to be your figurehead make him Carnival King or Prince.
“You people talk about creating a day of celebration and fun for friends and family and in the exact same instance impose a woke, ideological stance on the whole thing, thereby completely undermining your own event.”
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