Goostrey Rose Day tradition kept alive as children yearn to take part

Goostrey Rose Festival has received a massive boost with no fewer than nine girls hoping to become Rose Queen or an attendant.

At a time when other villages have scrapped similar pageants because of lack of interest, the Rose Day event has received the largest number of applicants for many years.

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The girl chosen to be queen will be crowned on Rose Day, Saturday, June 29.

The 2024 Rose Queen and Rosebud Queen will be chosen on Saturday 2 March, the same day as the infant children’s party and a fundraising quiz in the village Hall.

Ella Wilford, left, last year's Goostrey Rose Queen, and Lucy Boardman, 2022 Rose Queen with their retinues (Image: Lillie-Mae Bessant and Samuel Lord)

Christina Burgess, chairman of the Rose Festival committee, said: “We are delighted that so many young people want to keep the traditions of Rose Day alive.

“Goostrey Rose Festival, which has been going for well over 100 years, remains the largest village event of its kind in south Cheshire.

“In the past, nearly every village in the area held a festival every summer but because of rising costs and lack of interest there are just a handful left.

“It is an event that involves the whole community and many people who have left the area return to the village each year for what is always a very special day.”

The infant children’s party takes place from 2.30pm to 4pm.

The cost is £2 per child and parents are asked to bring a prize which can be used on the tombola stall on Rose Day. There will be a pop-up café for parents.

After the party, at around 4.15pm, the name of the Rosebud Queen, a girl from Year 2, will be drawn from a hat.

The quiz, which starts at 7.30pm, will feature teams of up to six.

Tickets priced £5 per person are available from Peter Gomes on 07867 798848 or by emailing treasurer@goostreyrosefestival.co.uk Fundraising is crucial to ensure the future of this community event.

Christina said:“Goostrey is fortunate to have a large band of helpers who ensure the tradition is maintained for the benefit of the children and the wider community, although there are always jobs for anyone who can spare a few hours of their time.

“However, it now costs in the region of £15,000 to stage Goostrey Rose Festival each year and prices are continuing to rise.

“That is why the committee is looking to increase the number of generous patrons who kindly support Rose Day financially.

“There is no fixed fee to become a patron but £60 per family would do so much to ensure Rose Day continues.

“In order to spread the cost, it is now possible to pay £5 per month by direct debit. “Anyone interested in becoming a patron is asked to contact the treasurer in the first instance.”

This year for the first time registration of children taking part in the procession will be online only via the Goostrey Rose Festival website. Registration will be available from Friday, March 1 and must be completed by Friday, March 22.