Rose Queen ready for right royal return

ONE of rural Macclesfield’s most anticipated events – that attracts thousands of visitors – is back but at a different time of year for 2021.

The Macclesfield Forest and Wildboarclough Rose Queen Fete will take place at Crag Hall on Sunday, September 19.

Normally it would be held in the spring but has missed this for the last two years because of the pandemic.

The family event will include a dog show, children’s races, the usual gruelling fell race up Shutlingsloe and a barbecue as well as an array of stalls, games and entertainment.

It will be opened by Doreen Dean, Women’s Institute president, and there will be the crowning of the rose queen Jessica Henshaw as well as her rose bud Keeley Holmes.

Children from the village will act as flag bearers and attendants in a procession.

Businesses from the rural areas of Macclesfield – Hilly Billy Ice Cream from Blaze

Farm, Wincle Brewery, Forest Gin and Peak Park Pork – will also be at the event.

Rachel Belfield, from the organising team, said: “After missing its typical calendar slot of the Spring bank holiday for the past two years due to the pandemic, the organisers are delighted to be welcoming visitors back to the village this September.

“In previous years, over a thousand people have turned out so organisers are hoping for another sunny day to draw the crowds back after such a long absence.”

The event is held with the permission of the Earl and Countess of Derby.

Gates open for the fête at 1pm, the rose queen procession is 2pm, under 12s fell race 1.45pm and the main fell race 2.45pm.

FOR more details visit Wildboarclough Rose Queen Fete on Facebook and for the fell race contact Noel Curtis on 01260 227448 or email mqbssnc2@ yahoo.com.