Ellen following in grandmother Mary's Garstang festival queen legacy

Garstang's festival queen-in-the-waiting will be crowned exactly 80 years after her grandmother took on the same role.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th May 2018, 16:30 BST
Updated 15th May 2018, 17:01 BST
Ellen Wellings with the Garstang Childrens Festival brochureEllen Wellings with the Garstang Childrens Festival brochure
Ellen Wellings with the Garstang Childrens Festival brochure

Ellen Wellings, from Cabus, will be crowned festival queen at the Garstang Children’s Festival on the second Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, May 28.

And for the Wellings, the appointment is somewhat of a familiar family affair after Ellen’s grandmother Mary Wellings (nee Richardson) was crowned festival queen in 1938.

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The 15-year-old, who studies cooking, business studies, history and art GCSEs at Garstang Community Academy, said on the festival website: “I have taken part in the festival since I was three years old in school floats, Morris Dancing and as an attendant, so it was an honour to be chosen this year for queen.”

Ellen's grandmother, Mary Wellings, pictured centre of the second row.Ellen's grandmother, Mary Wellings, pictured centre of the second row.
Ellen's grandmother, Mary Wellings, pictured centre of the second row.

Ellen’s father Paul Wellings, who is Mary’s son, said: “I’m really chuffed. We’re really looking forward to it.

“This is a big thing in Garstang every year and something Ellen’s talked about for a long time now.

“I’m just hoping there’s going to be some nice weather!”

Mum Elaine, who runs Houghtons Garden and Pet Supplies in Cabus with Paul, said: “I’m very proud that she’s been chosen. She’s very proud too and very excited to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps.”

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In her spare time Ellen also spends time horse riding and dance at the Garstang School of Dance, which includes ballet and tap.

Ellen will be sharing her special day with her royal retinue made up of Evie Gardner, Beth Jenkinson, Isabel Miller, Grace Lechley, Evie Caton, Martha Carr and Rhys Curwen.

She is taking over from retiring festival queen Lottie Hulme.

In a statement on the festival website, Lottie said: “I cannot believe how fast the past 12 months have gone.

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“My retinue and I have had so much fun over the summer visiting neighbouring villages, having the honour of taking part in their processions and watching the crowning of their Queens.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to my retinue Phoebe, Alex, Faye, Alex, Alice, Esme and Archie.

“A special thank you to Janet Worthington for all of her hard work.

“Also, thank you to everyone involved in the festival committee who make the Children’s festival possible.”

Related topics:Garstang