The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Rebecca Roberts has been crowned as the 2024 Spalding Flower Queen.
At a glitzy, Hollywood-style event at the St Nicolas Hall in Spalding, 180 guests watched as the nine
contestants tried to impress the panel of judges by explaining how they could represent Spalding.
Many of the guests and entrants arrived in style in classic cars and limousines before walking the red
carpet, surrounded by giant Oscars and vintage movie props.
Outside the hall, was the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car, owned by the Flower Parade.
The contestants were interviewed by event organiser Steve Timewell and as guests enjoyed a hog roast and music by local band, Paisley Circus, the judge – Giovanna El Greco from Aphoenix Care, Sue Jackson, head of volunteers at Flower Parade, Jean Toolley, the 1953 Flower Queen, Cheryl Parker of Aphoenix Care and Laura Hudson, Miss Oceanworld 2023 – deliberated for over 40 minutes.
Student Demi Fontaine Gilchrist (27), who lives in Spalding, was named deputy, before 36-year-old mum Rebecca, from Pinchbeck, was announced .
The girls will officially take over from the reigning Ambassador and Deputy on May 11 when they
ride on the Flower Queen float in the 2024 Flower Parade.
Rebecca and Demi will then visit Jersey in August to take part in the Battle of Flowers parades on behalf of the people of Spalding.
Parade and event organiser Steve Timewell said: “The show was everything I wanted it to be and
more. My team of dedicated volunteers made all this possible. To be honest, it was hard to believe
we were in Spalding, it felt more like a big show in London.
“Guests wore dinner jackets, bow ties and the ladies, their best frocks, it was truly glamorous.
“Whilst I had no part in deciding on the winners, I think the judges made the right decision, although
every contestant was more than worthy of winning,” Steve said, “I think Rebecca and Demi will work
well together and do us all proud.”
One of the highlights of the evening was the guest appearance of the 1953 Flower Queen, Jean
Toolley who joined the new queens on stage.
“I had a wonderful time and was well looked after,” Jean said. “I felt I was back in 1953 when I was
crowned Flower Queen.”
