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Flower Queen Rebecca Roberts and Deputy Demi Fontaine Gilchrist ‘excited’ for Spalding Flower Parade — and discuss their preparations for the big day




Spalding’s freshly-crowned parade royal duo are ready to greet the crowds as the prepare for their starring role on Saturday.

Rebecca Roberts, and Demi Fontaine Gilchrist will proudly sport sashes at the Spalding Flower Parade this weekend as Flower Queen and Deputy, kickstarting a year of representing the town.

Demi is ‘excited’ about the occasion organised by Stephen Timewell and the pair have even developed a special signal while taking part in the Moulton Chapel Tuliptime event.

Becs Roberts is crowned Spalding Flower Queen with Demi Fontaine Gilchrist as her deputy
Becs Roberts is crowned Spalding Flower Queen with Demi Fontaine Gilchrist as her deputy

She said: “Becs and I will be smiling and waving.

“We are going to signal to each other when our arms get tired.

“We will change arms and look professional!”

Becs Roberts Flower Queen and deputy Demi Fontaine Gilchrist have 'got each other's backs'
Becs Roberts Flower Queen and deputy Demi Fontaine Gilchrist have 'got each other's backs'

Their float is being sponsored by Fancy Frox, which provided dresses that are being kept a secret until the big reveal on the day.

Demi said: “My dress is a surprise.

“The company that sponsored us has been ever so kind.

Star Perry, current ambassador for Spalding Flower Parade and Demi Fontaine Gilchrist, newly appointed deputy Flower Queen for 2024. PHOTOS CHRIS LOWNDES
Star Perry, current ambassador for Spalding Flower Parade and Demi Fontaine Gilchrist, newly appointed deputy Flower Queen for 2024. PHOTOS CHRIS LOWNDES

“It will be kept a secret until Saturday.”

The duo have become close friends and will be getting ready together Saturday morning at Becs’ home in Pinchbeck.

Demi said: “It may be a bit chaotic in the morning.

Demi Fontaine Gilchrist and grandma
Demi Fontaine Gilchrist and grandma

“I am going round to get my hair done really early at Becs’ house.

“Then I will go back to my house for my family to see me in my dress.”

With friends and family supporting Demi she is also excited as the parade will go past her house in Halmergate, Spalding.

Becs Roberts aims to bring fun to her busy role as Flower Queen in this year's Spalding Flower Parade
Becs Roberts aims to bring fun to her busy role as Flower Queen in this year's Spalding Flower Parade

She said: “My family are so excited and my nan Doreen can't wait.

“The parade goes past my house and I have invited so many people round to wave to me.

“I will get to see all my friends and family and it will be such a moment.”

Rebecca Roberts and Spalding Flower Parade organiser Stephen Timewell
Rebecca Roberts and Spalding Flower Parade organiser Stephen Timewell

With mere hours left to go until the much-anticipated parade the musical theatre student is ready for showtime.

She said: “I describe it as when all the technical runs for a show are done and it is finally here.”

“I am quite excited as now it is the final week and it is starting to feel real.”

Rebecca recently attended a flower festival concert as a guest at St Mary’s Church in Pinchbeck where Jeff Woods performed as Pavanotti.

Rebecca Roberts and Jeff Woods aka Pavanotti. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Rebecca Roberts and Jeff Woods aka Pavanotti. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

She said: “I had such a good evening at the Pavonotti and Friends concert in St Mary’s Church.

“Jeff is wonderful and so entertaining and had everyone laughing and joining in.

“The singing was sensational.”

The fundraiser collected £330 from the raffle for Hope for Tomorrow, a mobile chemotherapy bus called “Elaine” that Regularly attends Spalding Johnson Hospital.

Spalding Flower Parade takes place on Saturday May 11 - with a family fun day on Sunday too.

Visit https://www.spaldingflowerparade.org.uk/spalding-flower-parade for further details.

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