A TRADITIONAL village event is going digital after more than 100 years.
For the first time, visitors to Goostrey Rose Day on Saturday, June 29 will be able to pay for things by bank card or on their phone.
Event organisers have acquired card readers so spectators can buy entrance wrist bands, draw tickets and refreshments without the need for cash, although notes and coins will still be accepted.
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Crowds gather to watch a colourful procession of floats featuring more than 300 children meander through the village.
Harriette Noonan, 12, will be crowned Goostrey Rose Queen by last year’s Queen Ella Wilford.
This ceremony is followed by maypole dancing and a fete.
Christina Burgess, chairman of the Rose Day committee, said: “We are proud of the fact that Rose Day is a very traditional event but we understand more and more people prefer to use a plastic card or their phone to purchase items.
“We want to make sure everyone can enjoy what is undoubtedly a very special occasion in our village calendar.
“By making it entrance by wrist band only, we hope to ease the queues at the gate.
“But I would like to reassure people, that if they are unable to buy a band in advance, they will be on sale at the entrance to the village hall drive.”
Wristbands cost £2.50 for adults (children are free) will be available in the village in the run up to the event.
They will also be on sale on the day at the entrance to Village Hall Drive, at Booth Bed Lane before the procession sets off and outside the Crown Inn as the crowds wait to see the floats.
A full array of competitions will be taking place as usual.
The Margaret Kettle trophy for the best adult fancy dress in the procession will again be awarded this year.
The community event at the end of Rose Day will be a tug of war. Teams of eight adults will compete.
Villagers are encouraged to get together with a group of friends or neighbours and take part.
To register a team and its name email chair@goostreyrosefestival.co.uk.
Rose Day takes place on the field used by the children of Goostrey School so for health and safety reasons, the committee has decided that no dogs, apart from assistance dogs, will be allowed in.
Organisers hope everyone will respect this decision and leave their dogs at home.
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