Rhayader has announced its Carnival Queen and attendants for 2026 as preparations get underway for one of the town’s biggest community events of the year.

14-year-old Ruby Powell has been chosen as Rhayader Carnival Queen and will lead this year’s celebrations, which culminate in the main carnival day on Saturday, July 18.

Ruby, a pupil at Llanidloes High School who is due to begin her GCSE studies in September, will take pride of place on the Queen’s lorry during the parade. When she is not busy at the stables, she is also a keen member of both Wye Kidz and Rhayader Players. Ruby said she is “extremely excited and proud” to represent Rhayader during the festivities.

She will be joined by attendants Emily Hards, Isabella Hughes, Kelsey Harley, Livvy Reeve, Lloyd Evans-Price, Mila Reeve, Elin Jones and Fflur Bennetts.

This year’s carnival is once again set to bring a full programme of events to the town in the run-up to the big day. Activities include treasure hunts on foot and by car, a vintage show and parade, quiz night, hill race, wheelbarrow race, It’s a Knockout competition, and a Groe gathering featuring live music.

A spokesperson from the carnival committee said: “Everyone is warmly welcome to come along and join in the fun - whether local or visiting from further afield - the more the merrier!