Knutsford May Day will look 'startlingly different' this year

Bunting is going up, the fair is coming and 600 children have collected their outfits for the colourful parade.

Organisers say year’s historic pageant should look ‘startlingly different’ on Saturday, May 4, as lots of new costumes will be unveiled.

READ > RHS Tatton Flower Show no longer to be held annually

This is what the crown bearer, may queen and maid of honour will be wearing (Image: Supplied)

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

Festival secretary Eileen Podmore said: “We will have quite a lot of new costumes.

“The whole town turned out to support us last year and people will be able to see how we have spent the money.

Knutsford schoolgirl Orla Bolton, who has been in the pageant since she was five, will be crowned Royal May Day Queen (Image: Supplied)

“The colour of the queen’s crown, train and flowers have changed completely.

“They are not red, but purple as it was in years gone by.”

One local lady held several fundraising events to help replace outfits.

Knutsford schoolboy Jack Pearce, who has been in the parade since he was five, will be crown bearer (Image: Supplied)

Eileen said: “The bridal party all have new dresses and there are new costumes for children of the world, including the Ukrainian, Swedish and Canadian Mounties.

“It should look startlingly different.”

This new purple crown was made by jeweller Fenella Baskervile, from Holmes Chapel (Image: Charlie Norbury)

Record crowds packed the sun-kissed streets last year and it is hoped big numbers will turn out again on Saturday as the procession starts at 2pm.

“Children were jumping with excitement when they picked up their costumes,” said Eileen.

Orla Bolton, 12, will wear this beautiful dress when she is crowned (Image: Supplied)

“It is a tradition. Their parents and grandparents did it.

“It is a red letter day in the calendar, the next best thing to Christmas.

“I’ve been involved in May Day since I was five.

Knutsford schoolgirl Orla Bolton can't wait to be crowned May Queen in this beautiful dress (Image: Supplied)

“You can’t buy it.”

Continued financial help is needed to ensure the survival of this much-loved annual event, as costs have soared to more than £40,000.

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

This is the outfit crown bearer Jack Pearce will be wearing (Image: Supplied)

Eileen added: “We don’t want to lose it. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

“We’ve got to keep raising funds, everything goes up every year.”

The town’s oldest family business, Arthur Lee Interiors, is proud to support the event.

Sisters Vicky Wragg and Helen Dufton, whose great grandfather Arthur Lee founded the store 104 years ago, showcase outfits of the May Queen’s dress in their shop window.

This year the display on Toft Road includes the crown bearer and maid of honour’s outfits.

Vicky said: “Both Helen and I were in May Day and now our two girls are in it this year.

“My little girl Edie, who is five, is going to be a bridesmaid in the village wedding which is what I was when I was her age.

“History has repeated itself, it’s so cute.

“Helen’s daughter, Leonie, who is nine, will be a leopard. She was a maid of honour last year.

“Our dad, Vernon, who is 77, was in it when he was younger. We’ll spot Florence Nightingale and the boat that he was in and now he will be watching his granddaughters.

“It’s a good day for everyone. Children have a laugh with their best mates.

“It is emotional.

“When the first brass band kicks off and you hear the glockenspiel and see the balloon sellers out, you know it’s here again.

“It is set in stone in Knutsford. It is really important.

“We’ve got to keep it going.

“Long may it continue.”