JOY and laughter filled the streets as thousands turned out to watch Knutsford Royal May Day Festival today.

A record crowd clapped and cheered as the huge colourful procession meandered through the town.

In glorious sunshine, 600 children waved as proud parents snapped pictures on their phones.

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Knutsford Guardian: May Day Queen Amelie McGill AnglinMay Day Queen Amelie McGill Anglin (Image: Newsquest)

Church bells rang out at St John’s to herald the start of the historic pageant, the only one of its kind in the country.

Knutsford Academy schoolgirl Amelie McGill Anglin, 12, said she was 'really excited' to be crowned this year's May Day Queen.

Knutsford Guardian: May Day Queen Amelie McGill Anglin and her retinueMay Day Queen Amelie McGill Anglin and her retinue (Image: Newsquest)

The royal prefix was bestowed on the event in 1887 by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, when they visited Lord Egerton at Tatton as Prince and Princess of Wales.

Families perched on walls whilst others sat in deckchairs, everyone eager to catch a glimpse of the parade, hailed the highlight of the town’s calendar.

Knutsford Guardian: May Day Queen Amelie McGill Anglin and the courtMay Day Queen Amelie McGill Anglin and the court (Image: Newsquest)

Anne Finn, of Knutsford, said: “It’s part of our heritage, something we never miss.

“We’ve watched it in hail, rain and snow.

Knutsford Guardian: Record crowds filled the streets to watch this year's Knutsford Royal May Day FestivalRecord crowds filled the streets to watch this year's Knutsford Royal May Day Festival (Image: Newsquest)

“It is emotional, it’s part of our life. The pipe band always does it for me.”

Children have been dressing up as the same characters for generations.

Knutsford Guardian: Igor Datsik as King Charles and Violet Cornes as Camilla on the coronation floatIgor Datsik as King Charles and Violet Cornes as Camilla on the coronation float (Image: Newsquest)

Queen Victoria, Florence Nightingale, Anne Boleyn and Henry Vlll are just some of the historic figures brought to life.

Country garden flowers, nursery rhymes, countries all over the world and cries of London are among the many groups depicted in stunning costumes.

Knutsford Guardian: Chimney sweeps Hugo Hickson, Isaac Rickett and boot black Nathan ColeyChimney sweeps Hugo Hickson, Isaac Rickett and boot black Nathan Coley (Image: Newsquest)

The Suffragettes, nannies with prams, First World War soldiers, Grace Darling and land girls are all remembered.

Nicky Ward, from Knutsford, said: “It’s great to see the whole town celebrating. It’s brilliant.”

Knutsford Guardian: French girls Winnie Hamilton, Darcy Parker, Erin Munro and Emily BowyerFrench girls Winnie Hamilton, Darcy Parker, Erin Munro and Emily Bowyer (Image: Newsquest)

The Cheshire Wheelman fascinated everyone with their amazing agility riding Penny Farthings along the quaint streets.

In magnificent splendour, the court and royal retinue took pride of place at the end of the procession.

Knutsford Guardian: The Cheshire Wheelman entertained crowds on their Penny FarthingsThe Cheshire Wheelman entertained crowds on their Penny Farthings (Image: Newsquest)

Festival secretary Eileen Podmore said: “It’s gone really well. It was wonderful.

“This is a record crowd.

Knutsford Guardian: Streets were packed with crowdsStreets were packed with crowds (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s all about the children being happy and the joy of taking part.

“That’s what makes me smile.

Knutsford Guardian: 600 children in colourful costumes paraded through the streets600 children in colourful costumes paraded through the streets (Image: Newsquest)

“It is a lot of hard work but seeing everyone come together makes it all worthwhile.”