Today's Alderley Edge May Fair was a tremendous success and it seemed like the whole village had gathered to enjoy the fun packed day.
The celebrations started with a procession through the village. Led by the Wizard, his white horse and his band of knights, the parade included over 20 dance and music groups as well as stilt walkers, donkeys, children in fancy dress, tractors and a vintage fire engine.
The crowds then headed down to Alderley Edge Park which was packed with attractions, stalls, entertainment and refreshments. To kick of the afternoon's proceedings, Griselda Garner judged the fancy dress competition, the theme of which was Alan Garner's classic novel The Weirdstone of Brisingamen.
Prizes were awarded to Evan Holmes, 5, who came dressed as a sleeping white knight, Ivan Marr, 6, who was Morth Broad of Goblin Race, Liam Woodall, 7, who was also a white knight from under Alderley Edge and wizard Jack Price aged 10. All the winners were from Alderley Edge Community Primary School and the overall winner was Liam Woodall.
Georgi Clarke from The Ryleys School also picked up her prize for winning the May Fair poster competition.
Hosted by Imagine fm, entertainment in the park included bowling games, crazy golf, relay races, a tug of war competition, Punch n Judy and a Storyteller tepee. Performances included Styal Primary School Maypole Dancers, the Manchester School of Samba and the Finale performed by Wilmslow Wonders.
Amongst the attractions there were Shetland Ponies, birds of prey, face painting, zorb balls, a climbing wall, a bungie trampoline, a fire brigade driving simulator and children's fairground rides, including a Thomas the Tank Engine ride, and over 30 stalls selling a variety of crafts.
The event was organised by Alderley Edge resident Christine Munro, along with Soroptimist International and representatives from local groups and organisations. Christine is a remarkable lady and did an amazing job putting together such a fantastic event for the community.
Speaking towards the end of the afternoon Christine said "I hope everyone had a wonderful time. God was on my side with the weather and the people who have come and talked to me have been very complimentary - everyone seems happy.
"I will do it again and next year will be the Queen's Jubilee so maybe we can do something similar but bring in a children's tea party. It would be nice to make a party atmosphere."
Sixty-eight runners started the day by taking part in a 5km race through the village which was organised by Running Bear and raised £400 towards next year's event.
First past the post was Peter Speake from Bildeston Bounders in a time of 16.38. Paul Payne from Stockport was second in 17 minutes and 3 seconds, followed a second later by James Wood from Congleton.
The ladies race was won by Jane Saunders from Wilmslow Running Club in a time of 20.41, Charmaine Wood from Congleton was second in 21 minutes and 16 seconds with Melanie Young from Newcastle in third place with a time of 22 minutes. Attached are the full results of the Alderley Edge 5km race.
We hope everyone who attended the May Fair had a good time and enjoys looking through the selection of photos above. Click next photo to browse through the gallery or play the slideshow.
Please do use the comment box below to share your thoughts about the day.
One of the fancy dress competition entrants lost their hat so please email me if you found a blue wizard hat.
Comments
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Thanks also to Lisa and Martin for the fab photos and script. We may not find more gold on The Edge but we have treasures in the community.
From all of fuZion starz morris dancing we all enjoyed it. And looking forward to do it again sometime.
I would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who helped make the day a success. Particularly Soroptimist International of Manchester who supported me from the beginning, Keith Lowe for all his help with the plan of the park and for his help over this weekend, Barbara Valcaccia, Ruth Jackson and Dave Lomas for organising the parade, Maureen Heywood and Alan Fisher for helping me with the entertainments and stalls on the park, and finally for everyone who supported me and helped make the day go so well.
Thank you to Christine, Mitch and all committee, loved the whole day from start to finish.
Congrats to Lisa for getting photos posted immediately on Saturday night.
Congratulations and well done on mobilising folk and organising a superb event that will live long in the memory.