KNUTSFORD’S 150th Royal May Day is fast approaching and final preparations are being put in place - but one key task remains – character selection.

The May Queen, Crown Bearer and dancers selection was made on February 10 but all other characters, including court, will be chosen on Saturday March 1.

The selection will take place at Egerton Youth Club at 3pm and among the characters the panel are particularly on the lookout for are Train Bearers, Page Boys.

Eileen Podmore, from the 150th Organising Group, said: “It’s great fun for the children and they will enjoy it. It is a great chance for them to come and be with their friends.

“As an organiser, the procession is great to see. The children don’t know each other to start but half way round the procession they are holding hands.

“This is the one chance we get to see the 150th anniversary – what better way to celebrate than to be part of it?”

On May 3, the procession will set off from Marshall’s Yard at 2pm and be joined by the May Queen and her court at the Sessions House in Toft Road.

Hundreds of characters and decorated lorries will make their way along the streets of Knutsford - Adams Hill, King Street, Tatton Street, Princess Street, King Edward Road and Manchester Road - to the Heath where dancing will take place before the actual crowning ceremony.

Angela Buckingham, fellow member of the 150th Organising Group, said: “Many of the children love it on the day and return year on year. They love the dressing up, the pomp and ceremony and feel special.

“It’s such a special year and they can look back and say, ‘I was part of it’.”
The minimum age for children wishing to be in the Festival is 5 years of age by the 3rd May 2014.

Costumes must be collected on Friday 25th April between 3.30pm – 6pm from the youth club and returned on the 9th May.

Organisers are also looking for volunteers to help on the day, in particular stewards, seamstresses and programme sellers. Contact Eileen on e.e.podmore@ntlworld.com if you are interested in volunteering.