CHILDREN partaking in the Royal May Day will have more than fond memories to bring home this year.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the festival, specially-commissioned commemorative badges and mugs will be presented to each participating child.

Mother and daughter duo Jane and Katie Falder were tasked with creating the design for the special items and proudly unveiled the results to the Guardian last week.

Katie, of Hillside Road, said: “We considered the use of red and blue was important – symbolising the ribbons on the Maypole and the bunting always hung up at May Day throughout Knutsford.

“A crown symbol was determined to be the most representative of May Day – particularly in this 150th year – our crowning glory.”

Commemorative items have been a long-standing tradition of Knutsford’s Royal May Day. The May Day committee, of which Katie and Jane are both members, looked to the past when deciding what to create this year.

“May Day traditions are important and we like the idea that parents and grandparents of the children taking part will have similar items from their time in May Day’s past,” added Katie.

“Children used to get an orange and a coin ranging from 1d to 1 shilling. Between 1900-1903, the children were given a whole week off school to celebrate May Day and two days was usual up until 1914 - we didn’t think that would go down well though.

“We hope that as they grow and keep those items their symbolism will increase and will remind them of their involvement in a very special May Day.”

As well as presenting the mugs and badges, the May Day committee will mark the momentous occasions in a number of other ways.

Committee member Michelle Caulfield has produced a 92-page, full colour souvenir programme - a step up from the 40-page, black and white programme that is usually printed.

Instead of the 1500 copies normally printed, 4,000 copies of the souvenir programme will go on sale.

“The aim is to sell as many as possible, of course, to raise much needed funds for May Day to enable it to carry on for the next 150 years,” she said.

“The feedback I have had so far has been fantastic.”

Programmes are on sale now from various Knutsford establishments including Mr Simms, The Heritage Centre, Booths and Knutsford Wine Bar.