10 great pictures from Knutsford Royal May Day

Packed crowds on the pavements clapped and cheered as Knutsford Royal May Day’s procession meandered through the town today.

Generations of families have been taking part in this historic pageant, now in its 158th year.

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Knutsford May Queen Orla Bolton and crown bearer Jack Pearce before the crowning ceremony (Image: Newsquest)

The event is the only one of its kind in the country to have a royal prefix.

Knutsford Academy schoolgirl Orla Bolton said she was ‘really excited’ to be crowned this year’s May Day Queen.

From left, Thomas Nixon sceptre bearer, Jack Pearce crown bearer and Max Ranfield sword bearer (Image: Newsquest)

The 12-year-old said: “I’m really looking forward to waving to everyone.

“It’s a great day. No words can describe it.”

Court ladies, from left, Lucy Manby, Jemima Woolf, Easkey Finn and Isobelle Scott (Image: Newsquest)

A buzz of chatter and laughter filled the air at Egerton Place as 600 boys and girls, all playing different characters prepared to set off.

Lots of new costumes were unveiled this year to give the event a fresh lease of life.

Maids of honour, from left, Winnie Hamilton, Jane Muldowney, Lucy Cook, Olivia Marshall, Amelia Sperry and Farrah Armitage (Image: Newsquest)

Youngsters were dressed in an array of outfits from clowns, pirates and cowboys to animals, flowers and policemen.

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

Clowns having fun (Image: Newsquest)

Henry VIII, Oliver Cromwell, Queen Victoria and Anne of Florence Nightingale were among many historic figures brought back to life.

Bella Demison, 93, said: “I love to see all the children.

Crowds packed the streets to watch the procession (Image: Newsquest)

“The whole community gets together. It’s part of our heritage.”

Hailed the highlight of the town’s calendar, the event attracts a lot of visitors and rekindles many memories.

The Mad Hatter's tea party (Image: Newsquest)

Jean Poole, 84, said: “I was the Pied Piper of Hamelin in 1947. I come back to watch it every year.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Spanish girls (Image: Newsquest)

Thankfully, the weather stayed dry, though it was a bit chilly but that failed to dampen any spirits.

Restaurants and bars spilled out onto the streets as people enjoyed meeting up with family and friends to see the procession.

The Cheshire Wheelmen brought fun and laughter with their Penny Farthings (Image: Newsquest)

Abby Stratford said: “I think it’s great for all the businesses.

“It brings a lot of visitors into the town.”

Quaint streets festooned with bunting were filled with music and merriment thanks to Warrington Pipe Band, the band of 2056 Knutsford Squadron Air Cadets and morris dancers.

The Cheshire Wheelmen brought a smile to everyone’s face with their amazing agility riding Penny Farthings along the winding narrow streets.

Festival secretary Eileen Podmore said: “There was a lovely atmosphere and a wonderful turnout.

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

“That’s what makes me smile.

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

“We would like to thank everyone for their continued support.

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

“Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”