THE heavens may have opened on Saturday afternoon but even the rain could not dampen the spirit of this year’s Royal May Day.

Knutsford saw thousands of residents and plenty of visitors line the streets to join in the annual festivities.

Despite the downpour, the procession still went ahead with every single performer turning up to be involved in the celebrations.

Knutsford Guardian:

Hundreds of characters took part in the parade, with decorated vehicles and dance troupes performing spectacular routines.

Steve Wilkinson, chairman of the Royal May Day committee, said: “It was a little damp wasn’t it?

"But I think everything went off really well. The children were still smiling when they got back on the heath.

Knutsford Guardian:

“Our Royal May Day fair is all down to the hard work of many people. It isn’t just down to the people in the procession, there are also all the stewards and people working behind the scenes to make it happen. A lot of people don’t realise that without them, it wouldn’t happen.

“It was a successful day despite the weather. There was one boy in the procession who was so cold that the cushion he was holding was bouncing, but he just carried on. The day was fantastic.”

Knutsford Guardian:

After the procession, crowds gathered to watch Royal May Day Queen, Sofia Chowdry, crowned on the Heath.

The 13-year-old, from King Street, was crowned by bearer, Jamie Corbishley, 14, who has worked his way up through the courts since he was five years old.

Above all, the children involved in this year’s celebrations have been commended for their perseverance through the wind and rain.

Eileen Podmore, secretary of the Royal May Day committee, said: “The children were marvellous, especially considering the bad weather. It was pouring down with rain but they smiled the whole way round and nobody moaned at all.

Knutsford Guardian:

“It was the worst weather we have had in years!

"But, the spirits were great. The dancers managed to dance wonderfully. We carried on just like Knutsfordians do.

“There was one little girl whose hair was dripping and she smiled and waved, it nearly made me cry.

“Our May Day celebrations are very important to us. Every child turned up, some wouldn’t even put their coats on! They were absolutely wonderful.”

“We all enjoyed the day, it is part of our history.

"We just hope for better weather next year.”

Knutsford Guardian: