Carnival fever as Rose Queen Festival takes over village
PRESTBURY residents were treated to an explosion of music and colour as the new Rose Queen was crowned at the village’s annual Rose Queen Festival.
This year’s ‘Carnival’ themed event was opened by actress Tricia Penrose from TV’s Heartbeat, who crowned the proud Rose Queen and Rose Bud.
Tricia was joined by the Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield, Coun Beverley Dooley, and chairman of Prestbury Parish Council Arthur Dicken.
New Rose Queen Julia Trier and her Rosebud, Maggie Humphreys paraded from Prestbury CE Primary School through the village, led by Bollington Brass Band and town crier Reg Lord.
Flower girls, crown- bearers and visiting Rose Queens accompanied the colourfully dressed procession.
A host of local groups turned out in their finery for the festivities too, including Macclesfield 201 Air Cadets, the Young Church group – Grid – from St Peter’s Church, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Girl Guides, Brownies and Rainbows.
Prestbury Youth Pantomime Association, the youth club, and dance group Dance at the Smithy, from Bramhall, joined in the fun and all the groups ensured visitors were kept entertained with a variety of displays performed on the school field.
Brightly coloured costumes, balloons and Union Jack flags helped bring the streets alive, along with a variety of entertainment including a snow globe, pets’ corner, carousel and house of fun.
Children also enjoyed the chance to play with felt toys and have their faces painted, while nursery children and their parents showed off their teddies they had dressed especially for the occasion.
Both adults and children enjoyed bottle and toy tombolas, dog grooming, sponge throwing and a selection of stalls selling plants, greeting cards and books.
And for those guests feeling peckish there were tasty burgers and sausages to tuck into from Prestbury Farm Shop, ice-cream from Granelli’s, and afternoon teas served in the school hall.
A drinks bar and a special summery Pimms stall were also available to quench visitors’ thirst on the day.
Member of Prestbury Church Rose Queen Festival Committee Sue Parker said: “The day was highly successful and it was very well attended.
“Both the church and the school worked hard together to provide a community event.
“All the local groups got involved too. Everyone had fun and really enjoyed themselves.”