KNUTSFORD'S mayor will be processing through the streets for the first time since being invested as the town's civic leader in December 2020.

Cllr Stewart Gardiner had to postpone his Civic Sunday parade after taking on the roll for the second time due to the pandemic and it will now be held on Sunday, September 5.

The parade assembles at 2pm at the council offices and sets off at 2.15pm processing down Church Hill to King Street and across the moor to St Cross Church where the service will take place led by Rev Paul Deakin.

The parade will be led by the 2056 (Knutsford) Squadron ATC marching band and include dignitaries and town mayors and chairmen from town and parish councils across Cheshire as well as other uniformed groups.

Town mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner said: “I am hoping that the rearranged date for Civic Sunday will not only bring out the sun but also the crowds, even if only those who have come into town for the Makers Market.

"Civic Sunday is the time for the public to witness the mayor walking through the town’s streets in procession to a place of worship to celebrate becoming mayor and asking for support in the role from a higher being within a religious setting.

“Although individual invitations have been issued to specific persons this church service is open to anyone who wants to attend, and everyone is welcome.

"Please feel free to come along and if you can join in the hymns which I have chosen as some of my favourites which remind me of different stages in my life so far."

Cllr Gardiner has lived in the town for 18 years.

During his term of office he is raising funds for the Knutsford and district branch of the Royal British Legion and the Knutsford branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Anyone planning to attend is asked to contact the mayor's personal assistant Michelle Bate on 01565 653929 or email michelle.bate@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk to assist with catering. Tea and cake will be served after the service.