10 great pictures from Knutsford coronation celebrations

Despite the wet weather, people turned out to share a drink and a dance.

A free barn dance and fun day were held on The Heath to bring families together.

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Three-year-old Herbie Hughes came dressed as a king, wearing a majestic red cloak, edged with ermine and a gold crown.

Herbie Hughes, three, came to the barn dance, dressed as a king (Image: Newsquest)

Mum Chloe said: "We've been watching the coronation on television and Herbie's really into it."

People sat on colourful deckchairs holding brollies as it began to drizzle but there was an air of fun and excitement.

Rain failed to dampen spirits as people sat on colourful deckchairs to watch the barn dance (Image: Newsquest)

A giant Connect 4, Jenga and badminton kept children entertained.

The mayor of Knutsford started the festivities by planting a small oak tree, donated by Tatton Estates.

Knutsford mayor Mike Houghton plants an oak tree on The Heath to commemorate the coronation (Image: Newsquest)

Mike Houghton said: “It gives me great pleasure to plant this tree in commemoration of King Charles III.

“A tree has been planted on The Heath for every monarch since King Edward VII 122 years ago.”

Knutsford mayor and mayoress Mike and Kate Houghton with the newly planted oak tree to commemorate the coronation of King Charles (Image: Newsquest)

The mayor said he had been moved watching the monarch being crowned.

He said: “I thought the coronation was amazing. No one can do pageantry like we can in the UK.

“It makes you feel very proud. It was an opportunity for the country to be united.

“To see so many people come together reinforces the monarchy. I’m a huge fan.”

His sentiments were echoed by families who said they had enjoyed seeing the historic ceremony.

Amy Pinnington, who came to the fun day with husband Nick, and daughters, Sophia, five, and Imogen, one, said: “We really enjoyed watching the coronation.

Amy and Nick Pinnington with daughters Sophia, five, and Imogen, one (Image: Newsquest)

“It was so impressive, especially the procession.”

Engaged couple Susannah Rehbein and Sam Lake were overwhelmed by all the royal regalia.

Belfast-born Susannah said: “It was wonderful, something you will only see once in a lifetime.”

Kathryn Lake, Susannah Rehbein and Sam Lake (Image: Newsquest)

Sam added: “I was very impressed by the gold carriage. Every time I see it I think it is really magnificent.”

Andrew Malloy, chairman of Knutsford Beer Festival, who served drinks at the barn dance bar, said: “The history of the occasion is absolutely fantastic.

The Hilltop Ceilidh Band, from left, Barry Parkes (caller), Jamie Roberts (guitar), Bridget Slater (fiddle) and Matt Quinn (accordion) (Image: Newsquest)

“Trying to take it all in was incredible, I’ve never seen it before.”

The mayor and mayoress led the dancing as the Ceilidh band filled the air with music.

Knutsford mayor and mayoress Mike and Kate Houghton leading the first barn dance (Image: Newsquest)

Barry Parkes, the caller, guided eight couples through a dance known as the four couple square set.

The mayor and mayoress join in the barn dance (Image: Newsquest)

In minutes, the dancers were skipping along with confidence, weaving under each other’s arms as the beat kept them all in time.

Fun and laughter as dancers enjoy a Ceilidh on The Heath (Image: Newsquest)

Cries of joy from children on funfair rides at the other end of The Heath mingled with the fiddle and accordion playing traditional tunes.