A classically trained musician and pilot has landed the role of Spalding Flower Parade Queen for 2025.
Erika Yao (30), who lives at The Sessions House in the town, was crowned following a glittering ceremony at Springfields Events Centre on Saturday (April 26).
Her deputy is Briony Mann, of Long Sutton, and both will head the parade on May 10.
Both wowed the panel of judges of South Holland District Council chairman Andrew Woolf, the 1953 Spalding Flower Queen Jean Tooley, Coun Jan Whitbourn, Jax Clements from the Spalding Flower Parade organising committee and Karen Povey from sponsor Fancy Frox.
“I’m very excited about it,” said Erika who moved to the former court house in Sheep Market with her partner Andrew last year.
“When we moved here one goal was to be more involved in the community and I wanted to give back and support local events.
“As I was lucky enough to be voted as the flower queen it gives me the platform and opportunity to meet and connect with more people.
“The night itself was very exciting and it was great to see so many people supporting the event.
“It was great to meet the organisers too as we know from taking over the Sessions House about how much hard work goes on to putting on just one event. There’s so much more to do than there looks from the outside.
“The volunteers had put so much effort into the night. We had a great time with compere Jeff Woods and Mullered at the Mill who had everyone on the dance floor at the end.”
Photos by Poacher Pictures.
