A SPECIAL barbecue was held to celebrate a family’s final journey through the May Day Festival.

Schoolboy Jack Pearce was honoured to be this year’s crown bearer.

The 13-year-old Knutsford Academy pupil has been in the parade since he was five.

READ > Orla Bolton 'honoured' to be crowned Knutsford Royal May Day Queen

It has been a family affair as twin sister Holly and brother Sam, now 16, followed in their dad David’s footsteps.

Holly was one of the ladies in waiting this year.

Knutsford Guardian: Jack as a Beefeater, with brother Sam and twin sister HollyJack as a Beefeater, with brother Sam and twin sister Holly (Image: Angela Pearce)

Mum Angela said: “David was a Cranford gentleman years ago.

“It’s a wonderful family tradition and one of those days we love every year.

“Jack was really honoured to be involved.

“From being a Beefeater when he was five, the years have whizzed by.

Knutsford Guardian: Jack made his debut in May Day as a Beefeater when he was five Jack made his debut in May Day as a Beefeater when he was five (Image: Angela Pearce)

“It is dream come true to see him as crown bearer. We are really proud of him.”

Knutsford Guardian: Jack was royal falconer in 2022Jack was royal falconer in 2022 (Image: Angela Pearce)

Jack made his debut as a Beefeater in 2016 and rose up through the court ranks to become royal falconer in 2022 and sceptre bearer last year.

Knutsford Guardian: Jack was sceptre bearer last yearJack was sceptre bearer last year (Image: Angela Pearce)

Holly was one of the two ladies in waiting this year.

Both their nannas Judy Pearce and Sue Buxton came to watch the twins play key roles in the pageant.

Knutsford Guardian: Jack and twin sister Holly with their nannas, from left, Sue Buxton and Judy PearceJack and twin sister Holly with their nannas, from left, Sue Buxton and Judy Pearce (Image: Angela Pearce)

Jack said: “It’s wonderful to see the town dressed for the occasion and the way all the people of Knutsford join together to celebrate.

“This year is made super special as my twin sister Holly is one of the ladies in waiting.

“Thanks go to my family for supporting me over the years and to all the committee and organisers without whom none of this could be possible.”

Remarkably, Jack’s mum, Angela was reunited with a childhood friend at May Day.

Jeweller Fenella Baskerville, who made the new May Queen crown, was astonished to bump into her.

Knutsford Guardian: May Queen Orla Bolton is presented with earrings to match her new crown from jeweller Fenella BaskervilleMay Queen Orla Bolton is presented with earrings to match her new crown from jeweller Fenella Baskerville (Image: Sarah Bolton)

Fenella said: “I came to give Orla a gift of earrings made of roses to match the crown.

“I was surprised to see Angela. We haven’t seen each other for 40 years.

“We grew up together in Mobberley. It was lovely to meet up with her again.”

Fenella, of Bespoke by Baskerville, said: “I made the crown from sheet silver bent around a former crown to get the shape.

“The cherry blossom, roses and royal feathers were made using a casting technique.

“Each individual flower had to be cleaned up and then set in the pink opal and pink tourmaline stones.

“Finally they were soldered on one by one onto the sheet metal and given a good polish.

“I thought it would be a lovely keepsake for Orla to have a matching set of earrings.”