Despite the weather, today's Alderley Edge May Fair was another big success with hundreds of local people and visitors braving the showers to enjoy a family fun packed day.
The celebrations started with a parade through the village led by the Town Crier, featuring the White Horse and Wizard, Alderley Edge Youth Council, players from Alderley Edge Hockey Club, fancy dress contestants, vintage bicycles, dance groups, The Galactic Knights and vintage vehicles.
The May Queen Lilly Jervis, aged 10, and May Fair King Patrick McCabe, age seven, along with their attendants Leila Vigerstaff and Jamie McCabe travelled in a horse drawn carriage.
The crowd then headed down to Alderley Edge Park where Lilly and Patrick declared the 2017 Alderley Edge May Fair officially open.
They completed their duties by judging the fancy dress competition, the theme for which was 'Alderley Edge in Bloom'.
First place in the under 5s category went to 20-month-old Kaela Tiff with Charlie Herbert, 4, awarded second place. Whilst Alice Cochrane, age 6, won the over 5s category and 10 year old Laura Maclean came second.
Entertainment was provided throughout the afternoon, including a town crier competition, dog show and school sports day. Whilst at the live music stage visitors were entertained with performances from Adrian Lord, Alderley Edge Community Primary School Choir, Acto de Classe, Alderley Edge Caledonian Society and Macclesfield Light Orchestra.
Paul Marshall, Chairman of the Alderley Edge May Fair Committee, said "During the planning for this year's May Fair we tried to encourage and draw on the community spirit which supports many of our local events. Many local companies and organisations backed us with sponsorship and participation, and we drew encouragement from that. This village always enjoys a party, and our plan this year was to provide a platform for all generations to enjoy some fun and games on the park.
"Our May Fair is an opportunity for the children to safely run free in the park, enjoy the funfair and take part in the arena events. Their parents and grandparents can catch up with village life and it's one of the few opportunities in the year to gather.
"This year, we were very excited to have a May Queen and King, Lilly and Patrick. They were true village royalty in the parade and during the fair. Let's hope that we can continue with the new tradition of having a king and queen.
"The weather was cruel at lunchtime and the rain threatened an early end, but when the clouds passed the crowds returned, and the fair carried on as planned. Village life here is stubbornly committed."
Paul added "A very small group of devoted members of our village have pledged immense effort to arrange the fair this year, and I would personally like to thank everyone who has donated their valuable time, effort and commitment. The comments and feedback that I have received so far indicate that their zeal is appreciated."
The May Fair celebrations kicked off in the park on Friday evening with a number of sport and music activities including a bowls tournament, table tennis competition, five-a-side football and a 5K fun run followed by live music.
Paul commented "We considered omitting the Friday evening events earlier in the year, due to a lack of funds and volunteers, but I am glad that we decided to carry on because the attendance and participation proved to be the most popular yet. Bowling, table tennis, football and the fun run were all popular for players and spectators, and the live music carried on the community feel."
Comments
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If I could say something to the organisers though I was surprised to see cars driving down the pathway from Chorley Hall Lane, alone the side of the allotments to the back entrance. We had just let our 2 and 3 year old run up ahead on that path and with the blind turn in it towards the end it makes you worry about it!