A NEW system has been introduced in the way Knutsford’s May Day Queen is selected.
The changes are designed to make it a ‘more gentle, informal and inclusive process’ whilst still maintaining the cherished heritage of this unique festival.
Hailed as the biggest day in the town’s calendar, thousands turn out to watch 600 children process through the streets in an historic pageant dating back to 1864.
It is hoped that girls wishing to be crowned Queen will now feel more reassured when they attend the selection day at St John’s Church on Saturday, January 27.
Eileen Podmore, secretary of Knutsford Royal May Day committee, said: “There’s going to be a more relaxed atmosphere.
“Girls will be able to sit at a table with their parents and have some refreshments.
“They will then be invited to have a little chat with our team and ask any questions they may have.
“We don’t want them to feel frightened.”
Although certain rules have been relaxed, candidates must still meet certain criteria.
Girls must be aged 11, 12 or 13 on February 1, 2024 and live in the area covered by Knutsford Town Council, which includes Tabley.
Applicants must have taken part in the May Day procession at least twice but no longer have to have been a candidate for maids of honour.
No girl will be eligible if her sister has been May Queen in the past two years.
In the past, candidates had to walk round a room to demonstrate their deportment and confidence, before answering a specific question.
Now, girls can have an informal chat with 11 voters, made up of committee members and independent guests.
If any of the chosen voters are related to any of the applicants, they must declare this to avoid a conflict of interests.
The remaining female court characters will be picked out of a hat.
Applicants will now be eligible to enter as a maid of honour even if their sister has been a May Queen.
Eileen, a committee member for 46 years, said: “We’re trying out best to make it a fairer, more relaxed and easier process.
“Our traditions will still be followed even though we are changing the rules.
“May Day is part of our heritage and is a celebration, not a carnival.
“I love seeing the smile on children’s faces. Even if it is bucketing down with rain, they enjoy themselves.”
Next year’s celebration on Saturday, May 4, will have a fresh, brighter image.
Eileen said: “It will look completely different because we are getting lots of new costumes.
“A lady has raised a lot of money for us so we have been able to buy absolutely beautiful new royal blue dresses for the village wedding.
“We are also making new dresses for the maids of honour.
“We are very grateful to sponsors who have come forward to put us on a more secure footing but we do still need support from the local community.”
Applications for May Queen can be obtained at Knutsford Royal May Day Facebook and must be returned before 5pm on Thursday, January 18.
Completed forms can be emailed to Eileen Podmore at ee.podmore@ntlworld.com or posted to Alison Moonan, 34 Carrwood, Knutsford WA16 8NE.
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