GOOSTREY Rose Festival is set to honour one of its biggest supporters with a new competition and trophy.

Margaret Kettle who died in December aged 100, was Rose Queen in 1936 and festival president twice.

She was a stalwart of the annual event and enjoyed dressing up and starring in the procession.

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The new Margaret Kettle trophy will be presented to the adult in the best fancy dress costume.

Knutsford Guardian: Margaret Kettle is set to be honoured at this year's Goostrey Rose Festival with a new competition and trophyMargaret Kettle is set to be honoured at this year's Goostrey Rose Festival with a new competition and trophy (Image: Goostrey Rose Day)

The winner will be either an adult who walks in the procession from Booth Bed Lane to the school field or someone on one of the adult floats.

The competition will be judged as the procession passes the crown by Margaret’s granddaughter Leyla Woodward who has also provided the new trophy.

Christina Burgess, chairman of Goostrey Rose Day said: “Each year people would eagerly await to see who Margaret was dressed up as so it is only fitting that the new trophy will be presented to the best adult fancy dress.

“At one time a lot of people would dress up for the day so we hope that tradition will be revived in memory of Margaret who was a very special person and who will be sadly missed on Rose Day.”

Ella Wilford will be crowned on Rose Day, Saturday, June 24.

The 12-year-old has taken part in the annual event since she was a little girl and has always wanted to be Rose Queen.

Ella’s two attendants will be Eleanor Stutfield, 12, and Nancy Napier, 13.

The 2023 Rose Bud Queen will be Phoebe Sharman, accompanied by lady in waiting, Isabelle Spencer.