'Phenomenal' support for Knutsford Royal May Day Festival

Record crowds packed the sun-kissed streets on Saturday and donated £5,500 in a bucket collection, up £2,000 on last year.

But more financial help is needed to ensure the survival of this historic pageant, the only one of its kind in the country to have a royal charter.

READ > 10 great pictures from Knutsford Royal May Day

Festival secretary Eileen Podmore said: “Support from the town has been phenomenal.

Record crowds filled the streets to watch the historic pageant (Image: Newsquest)

“I’ve never seen Canute Square as packed as it was.

Captain Hook and pirates from Yorston Lodge Preparatory School (Image: Newsquest)

“People have come to realise that we need May Day, the children need it.

Tatton Park steps back in time to celebrate May Day (Image: Newsquest)

“We’ve got to keep it going but it’s up to everyone to play their part.

May Day Festival secretary Eileen Podmore (Image: Newsquest)

“Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

The Medieval Court float (Image: Newsquest)

A heartfelt plea in The Guardian for more volunteers and marshalls attracted a great response.

Ladies maids, from left, Tara Deane, Scarlett Taylor, Eloise Cockshott and Georgie Watson (Image: Newsquest)

“It was wonderful to see happy, smiling and willing people turn up,” said Eileen, who has been involved in the festival for more than 45 years.

Airlie Duffissey as Grace Darling (Image: Newsquest)

“It is great when you’ve got the town behind you.

Cowboys were among the 600 children dressed up as different characters (Image: Newsquest)

“Not just parents, but people whose children have grown up and want to help because this has meant something to them.”

2nd Knutsford Scouts carry a Chinese dragon through the streets (Image: Newsquest)

Generations of families have taken part in this ancient tradition since 1864.

Amandine Bousseau sits in the new Sedan Chair built by Steve Young and sponsored by a local businessman (Image: Newsquest)

But there are now grave concerns about its future as costs have soared to more than £40,000.

May Day dancers won rapturous applause for their performances on The Heath (Image: Newsquest)

Traffic management alone, closing so many roads including the A50, is more than £10,000.

Daisy Whittington as Maid Marian and Isaac Warrington as Robin Hood (Image: Newsquest)

Eileen said: “Things are turning round.

“A funding appeal by Remembering Knutsford has worked wonderfully.

May Day footguards, from left, Lillie Bryers, Susie Gratton-King, Sam Stoneham, Ethan Rose, Mikel Navaridas-Maestre and Bonnie May (Image: Newsquest)

“We are very grateful for everyone’s support and want to say a big thank you to all our helpers.

“We couldn’t do it without them.

Florence Hollinsbee as Florence Nightingale with nurses and wounded soldiers (Image: Newsquest)

“This is not a carnival, it is a tradition that is very community based.

“It is something the town should be very proud of.”

May Day dancers in the procession (Image: Newsquest)

Knutsford Academy schoolgirl Amelie McGill Anglin, 12, said: “I am honoured to be this year’s May Queen and get the chance to support and represent our lovely town.

May Day Queen Amelie McGill Anglin waves as she processes through the streets with her ladies in waiting (Image: Newsquest)

“I have been taking part in the procession since I was five as a trapeze artist.”

Anyone wishing to help can email Eileen at ee.podmore@ntlworld.com or contact Knutsford Royal May Day on Facebook.