The New Westminster May Day Community Association is proud to carry forward one of the city's most beloved traditions — the selection of the May Queen and her Royal Suite, a highlight of the annual May Day celebration.
This year’s Royal Suite Draw will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, offering a special opportunity for New Westminster students in grades 5 and 6 to step into history. Selected entirely by random draw, this cherished tradition gives local youth the chance to represent their community in one of the oldest continuously celebrated May Day festivals in the Commonwealth — dating all the way back to 1870.
The Royal Suite includes:
The May Queen
Her Royal Maids
And the Royal Knights, who serve as Honour Guard
These young ambassadors will play a key role during the 155th May Day Festival on Saturday, May 24, 2025, held at Queens Park Stadium. They’ll be introduced before an enthusiastic crowd, participate in the ceremonial procession, meet local dignitaries, and dance the traditional Maypole and Royal Lancer dances — just as generations have done before them.
Participation in the Royal Suite is more than just a role — it's a rite of passage, a celebration of community, and a joyful expression of living culture that continues to thrive through the support and enthusiasm of local families.
The May Day Association is committed to making this event inclusive, diverse, and welcoming, creating meaningful connections across generations while honouring New Westminster’s rich cultural heritage.
Eligibility:
Students in grades 5 or 6 who attend school in New Westminster (including homeschoolers) are eligible to enter.
How to enter:
Complete the form by clicking on the ENTER DRAW button by the deadline.
Deadline to enter:
Friday, May 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Draw date:
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Selected students will be contacted directly after the draw with further details about their roles and participation in May Day events.
Emilee Loi of Lord Kelvin Elementary School is the current New Westminster May Queen. Her family have developed a tradition of participating in May Day. Her Dad was first in the 1980's and recently her sister Daisy entered the May Day draw and became a Flower Girl and now Emily herself, as Queen of the May. Emilee loves May Day and is an enthusiastic participant. She is proud to be the City of New Westminster's 153rd May Queen in 2024.
Arjun Prushothama of Queensborough Middle School is a wonderful public speaker who entered the May Day draw in 2024 to win the coveted title of Royal Knight Consort. Arjun is seen here investigating after the New Westminster Hyack Anvil Battery had completed their 21 Anvil Salute to Queen Victoria. Jerry Dobrovolny, as Captain of the Guard, gave Arjun and many of the May Suite and their family and friends a tour of the famous Anvils.
1st Maid of Honour
Beatrice Dionisio
Isobella Lopez
Zophia Nixdorf
Raiha Rishard
FLOWER GIRLS
1st Flower Girl: Lily Omarkhel
2nd Flower Girl: Sophia Stevens
3rd Flower Girl: Shaughnessy MacLean
4th Flower Girl: Clair Lochrie
5th Flower Girl: Abrie Sule
6th Flower Girl: Isobella Ladouceur