YOU know summer’s here when the new Lady of the Lake is named in Irvinestown and this year was no different.
Nicola Johnston was unveiled as the 2024 festival queen last Friday night along with her ladies-in-waiting, Indie Parker and Gabriella Wilson.
“It’s been going well so far and I’m really enjoying every minute of it,” she said of her new role.
“I’ve been kept going. I’ll be at most things. I get up early to get my hair and make-up done, then I’m off to whatever is going on throughout the day.”
Nicola has been working as a supervisor at Glenwood Filling Station on the Enniskillen Road for three years and her friendliness is well known to local customers.
It was only the week before that she found out she was in the running to be the next Lady of the Lake.
“When the voting came out a couple of people mentioned it. I only found out for definite last Wednesday. The hardest bit was keeping it secret,” she explained.
“My mum and dad knew first, then I had to tell my boss as I had to get the time off work!
“I’ve got all this coming week off, so I can go to all the different events.”
The build-up to her unveiling on a packed Main Street proved nervewracking, but there was someone there who helped to relieve the tension – popular TikTok star, ‘Black Paddy’.
“He was great fun from the start and was a good laugh. He helped to make the experience more enjoyable,” Nicola said. “I wasn’t expecting such a big crowd to be there.”
The 22-year-old will have her work cut out over the next 12 months as she carries out the many duties involved with the role.
“I’ve never done anything like this before, it’s all new to me. What I’m looking forward to is switching on the Christmas lights later in the year. That’ll be exciting,” she said.
“I’m sure I’ll be kept busy. It’s a privilege to be chosen.”
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