A NEW Carnival Queen was crowned in Romsey at the weekend, starting a packed week of entertainment in the run-up to the big procession.

Kate Hurle, 16, an apprentice at Finesse of Romsey hairdressers, joined a long list of carnival royalty at a ceremony in the town's Memorial Park on Saturday.

The Gosport Silver Band played and Mayor of Romsey Mike Curtis gave a speech as the festivities got under way.

The week ahead brings a full agenda of fun before next Saturday's procession through Romsey, starting at 6.30pm.