ORGANISERS have hailed support for this year’s Knutsford Royal May Day Festival as ‘phenomenal’.
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.
“I’ve never seen Canute Square as packed as it was.
“People have come to realise that we need May Day, the children need it.
“We’ve got to keep it going but it’s up to everyone to play their part.
“Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”
A heartfelt plea in The Guardian for more volunteers and marshalls attracted a great response.
“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.
“It is great when you’ve got the town behind you.
“Not just parents, but people whose children have grown up and want to help because this has meant something to them.”
Generations of families have taken part in this ancient tradition since 1864.
But there are now grave concerns about its future as costs have soared to more than £40,000.
Traffic management alone, closing so many roads including the A50, is more than £10,000.
Eileen said: “Things are turning round.
“A funding appeal by Remembering Knutsford has worked wonderfully.
“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.
“This is not a carnival, it is a tradition that is very community based.
“It is something the town should be very proud of.”
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.
“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.
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