A TOAST to year of festivities, old and new – ‘Crowning Glory’.

Some key Knutfordians have teamed up to create a specially brewed beer to mark the 150th anniversary of the Royal May Day.

‘Crowning Glory’ – a modern English with traditional elements – is currently being brewed at Tatton Brewery and will hit shelves just in time for Knutsford’s 1st Beer Festival and Knutsford 150th May Day.

Master Brewer Paul Buttrick, one of the Knutsfordians who spearheaded the project, said: “We made it with some special hops – sovereign hops – which were chosen specially to give it a fruity aroma. It was made with the town’s motto in mind - Respice, Aspice, Prospice, look to the past, the present and the future.

“Traditional malt is used but it is still a modern, golden beer which fit nicely with what is going on in the town. It’s very drinkable – 4.2pc abv – which is deliberate. We want you to savour it.”

10pence from every bottle sold will be donated to the May Day fund and pubs stocking the casks are also being asked to make a contribution to the fund.

May Day Committee member, Roger Sutton, said: “Tatton Brewery has been brilliant to do this and to have Paul on board - he’s such a high quality, expert brewer – is fantastic. It’s going to be a very special year for us and we are really making a statement.”

foodzeens.com will be the festival beer sponsor and is co-owned by Malcolm Pheby and Jonathan Farber.

Jonathan, who has been fundamental in festival fundraising, said: "I've been a long supporter of Greg Sawyer and the Tatton Brewery so what better way to show support than to sponsor the main festival beer.

“We have even designed the simple banding for the pump clip and bottles encompassing the 150th Mayday celebrations - really quite an honour.”

Keep an eye out the Guardian’s ‘Crowning Glory’ update next week.