We caught up with Delysia to find out what she's been up to in her role as Birmingham's Carnival Queen ( 2001 - 2003 ) and what she has enjoyed most about having the title. | Why did you want to become Carnival Queen? |
 | | Delysia |
I entered the competition first in 2000 from an advert in the Evening Mail, where Professor Black was calling for people to join his troop. Someone suggested that I join the pageant to become Birmingham Carnival Queen. I came second in the competition that year which was great, because I didn’t really know at the time what carnival was all about. On carnival day I was second from the front, leading the procession though the streets of Birmingham. It then hit me what it was all about. It was absolutely fantastic. So I thought next year I’m going to be queen. I entered the competition again in 2001 and I won. | What were your duties as Carnival Queen? |
On the day of carnival you lead the procession from the very front. In Professor Blacks troop there’s about 100 people and then you’ve got different troops from around the UK. Plus there are troops from different communities such as the St Patrick's parade and Chinese groups. You lead the whole thing.  | | Delysia in Carnival Queen costume |
The procession stretches for about a mile behind you. It’s also your job to get people along the procession route to join in. For the next twelve months after carnival I have been busy doing photo shoots for flyers and posters to promote the carnival and multi-cultural awareness in the city. I've helped launch a costume making design course at Birmingham City College. Also along with the troop I've joined in with other big UK carnivals and smaller carnivals across the city. | What’s it like wearing the Carnival Queen costume? |
Well you can’t go to the toilet once you’ve got it on, put it like that! But it is fantastic. The queen's costume is such an eyecatcher when the sunshine hits, it radiates. It looks heavy but it’s made out of light weight aluminum rods, feathers, sequins and foam. The outfit is sexy and vibrant, everything a carnival should be.
| What do you love about about carnival? |
Carnival is a good excuse to let your hair down and have fun. | Have you enjoyed being Birmingham Carnival Queen? |
 | | Delysia |
Yes I have. It’s helped me move forward as a person as well as making me more confident.
It’s also a great talking point went you meet new people.
| What advice would you give to someone thinking of entering the pageant to become Birmingham Carnival Queen? |
The most important thing is to make sure you radiate on the evening of the pageant. The judges are looking for someone who is a good communicator, obviously good at dancing, not shy and a good motivator. The atmosphere on the night is like pre-carnival which gives the girls lots of confident.  | Delysia with new Carnival Queen hopefuls
(Left to right) Charlene Joseph, Chantel Ogarro Deylsia Hart, Shinade Read |
| Are you sad to be handing over the title of Birmingham's Carnival Queen? |
I’m not sad really. I’m happy to hand it over. I can’t wait to see who the next queen is going to be. I’ve made a lot of friends and it’s given me everything that I wanted to get out of it and more. | What’s the one piece of advice that you would give to the next Queen? |
Just enjoy yourself. Try to capture the day and make sure you smile. Carnival day was my biggest highlight, it was one of the best days I’ve ever had.
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