FAMILIES have been taking part in the Royal May Day Festival for generations.

Children selected for various roles two years ago have been anxiously waiting to step out in their costumes.

Knutsford Guardian: Isabella Jordan, Amy Buckley, Cara Chaplin and Lucy Stainton on The Heath Picture: Emma ChaplinIsabella Jordan, Amy Buckley, Cara Chaplin and Lucy Stainton on The Heath Picture: Emma Chaplin

Lily Nuttall, a pupil at Manor Park Primary School, was a flower girl and wore a beautiful cream satin dress, with buds in her hair.

The seven-year-old said: “I couldn’t sleep, I was so excited.”

Knutsford Guardian: Flower girl Lily Nuttall and mum MaryFlower girl Lily Nuttall and mum Mary

Mum Mary and twin sister Katie took part in the pageant as children.

Mary said: “We’re both 40 next year and we were in it since we were five.

“We absolutely loved it, it was so exciting.

“It’s great to see the festival back again after lockdown, getting families together.”

Mum-of-three Emma Chaplin was delighted to see the traditional procession return.

Her daughter Cara, 11, a pupil at Lower Peover Primary School, was one of the maids of honour.

Knutsford Guardian: Maid of honour Cara Chaplin Picture: Emma ChaplinMaid of honour Cara Chaplin Picture: Emma Chaplin

She said: “It’s fantastic to see it back, we’ve really missed it.

“Cara was selected in 2019 and had to wait all that time.

Knutsford Guardian: Cara Chaplin carries the train for Royal May Day Festival Queen Lily-May Newall Picture: Emma ChaplinCara Chaplin carries the train for Royal May Day Festival Queen Lily-May Newall Picture: Emma Chaplin

“We were all in the festival when we were children and my parents have been coming for 15 years.

“It is so lovely to see Knutsford buzzing again, really wonderful.”