Excitement mounts as 2023 Knutsford Royal May Day queen chosen

Amelie McGill-Anglin, 12, has been selected as this year’s Royal May Day queen.

The keen dancer has yearned to wear the crown ever since she started taking part in the annual event when she was five.

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“She is just so excited,” said Amelie’s mum, Nicola.

Amelie McGill-Anglin has been taking part in the historic pageant since she was five (Image: Nicola Anglin)

“She was really tearful when she found out she had been chosen. It means so much to her.

“As soon as she first saw the ceremony, she set her heart on being May queen and has worked her way up.”

The Knutsford Academy pupil has always enjoyed being in the parade which attracts thousands of spectators.

Thousands of spectators line the streets to watch the colourful pageant (Image: Newsquest)

This year’s event has been moved for the first time in its 159-year-old history to Saturday, May 13, to avoid clashing with the coronation of King Charles III.

“Amelie loves May Day,” said Nicola. “She has taken it seriously from day one.

“She is so invested in the town and is really proud to represent the royal court at such an amazing event.

“She absolutely loves dancing and wants to be an actor.”

Amelie belongs to three schools of performing arts and has served as maid of honour and Maid Marian in the town’s historic pageant.

Her siblings, both pupils at Bexton Primary School, hope to follow in her footsteps, joining 600 children in the colourful parade.

The historic pageant is the only one of its kind and dates back to 1864 (Image: Newsquest)

Sister Vivienne, six, was a character in the flower garden last year and brother Leo, five, hopes to make his debut in the procession this year.

“May Day is such a community event,” said Nicola.

“We all get so much out of it as a town, we must make sure we maintain it.

“We’re planning to do some fundraising to support it.”

Teenage musician Toby Hui has been chosen as crown bearer.

Tony Hui is honoured to have been chosen as crown bearer (Image: Andrew Warman)

The 14-year-old plays the guitar and piano and hopes to pursue a music career.

The Knutsford Academy student said: “I was first chosen when I was five.

“I have been a sailor, train bearer, page boy, herald falcon bearer and sceptre bearer.

“It is an honour.”

Tony Hui as trainbearer in 2015 pictured beside one of the street sandings (Image: Louise Gresty)

Toby will wear a kilt when he steps out to perform his royal duty.

Mum Louise said: “I am very proud of Toby.

Guitarist Tony Hui hopes to pursue a career in music (Image: Louise Gresty)

“It is the biggest day Knutsford has. It is always overwhelming when you see thousands of people on the streets.”

The royal retinue has now been chosen.

Lily Boardman and Chloe Kirkham are ladies in waiting.

Lily Boardman and Chloe Kirkham are ladies in waiting (Image: Andrew Warman)

Orla Bolton, Jennie Evans, Issabella Walker and Rosie Roberts are ladies of the court.

Orla Bolton, Jennie Evans, Issabella Walker and Rosie Roberts are ladies of the court (Image: Andrew Warman)

Maids of honour are Alice Oliver, Lottie Peacock, Billie-Lou Gregory, Lexie-May Cross, Alana McCarthy and Leonie Dufton

Alice Oliver, Lottie Peacock, Billie-Lou Gregory, Lexie-May Cross, Alana McCarthy and Leonie Dufton are maids of honour (Image: Andrew Warman)

Festival secretary Eileen Podmore said: “Seeing all the children, parents and grandparents smiling and having fun, that’s why we do it.

“I just love it and have a passion for it.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their continued support.”

The selection of characters will take place on Saturday, March 4, from 12 noon to 2pm at St John’s Church.

Any individuals, families or businesses wishing to offer support can email festival secretary Eileen Podmore at ee.podmore@ntlworld.com or Knutsford Royal May Day on Facebook.