Ringwood carnival committee call in police after teen boy carnival Queen decision sparks outrage

RINGWOOD carnival committee says it has had to call in the police after its announcement that the event’s Queen would be a teenage boy sparked outrage.

Carnival organisers revealed on social media that a boy called James had been crowned Queen and would be heading the traditional parade, due to take place on 16th September.

They were subsequently subjected to a flood of what the committee described as “negative comments”, “abusive language” and “threats”.

One local resident complained: “This is woke gone mad. It is Carnival Queen and King. You can’t have camp teenagers pretending to be a queen. You are ruining a tradition.”

Another said: “As a carnival veteran I won’t be attending this year. A Queen should be a Queen."

Others called it “madness” and said they would also be boycotting the event due to be held in September.

The carnival is one of the biggest in Hampshire and has been running for nearly 100 years.

Revealing they had been forced to delete the announcement online following the torrent of abuse, committee members said it had referred the matter to the police for a “safety view”.

This was due, they said, to “threats of disruption” and the “abusive” nature of some of the language.

It also said that anyone concerned about James’ welfare should know he was “well, but upset”.

He would still be taking part in the parade, but as an ambassador instead.

In a statement on a Ringwood Carnival Facebook page, a spokesperson said: "James is still keen to be a part of the carnival but will be taking on a slightly different role, as an ambassador.

“As James is over 16, he is able to make these decisions himself and we and his family support him.”

It said for the “safety and wellbeing of everybody”, there would now be a ‘Carnival Court’ comprising of princesses, the town’s mayor, other dignitaries, and James as ambassador leading the parade.

It added: “Public and private online abuse is something nobody wishes to receive. We politely request [everyone] to cease negative comments and let’s all move forward positively, whilst respecting each other’s views or opinions.”

Some residents rallied round James saying they felt it was “sad” he had been demoting, with one saying: “Such a pity some of our locals are such bigoted, little-minded, egocentric bullies.”

Former Ringwood Carnival princess, Stephanie Dearden, said: “The fact that police had to become involved in this is just a tad ridiculous.

“Anyone who has that big a problem with a lad being carnival queen (a made up, pretend title for a small town carnival) needs to seriously give their heads a wobble.

“Online abuse and disruption threats to the organisers and James himself?! What is wrong with you?

“Congratulations on your win Queen (Ambassador) James, from a former Ringwood Carnival princess.”

Another local said: “The carnival queen concept is sexist, why couldn’t it be updated to carnival sovereign so anyone can take the role no matter their sex, gender or identification?”

One man stated: “I don’t see the issue – times are changing.”