Knutsford May Day festivities usually take place on the first Saturday of May each year and are the highlight of the town’s annual events.

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Funding for May Day is largely by donation, and each year, it is a struggle to ensure ‘the show goes ahead’ with much effort and dedication from the organisers.

It first took place in 1864 when the May Queen was Annie Sarah Pollitt, aged 14, the daughter of the licensee at the Lord Eldon pub.

Interestingly, Annie married Edwin Jackson in 1870. Although she started married life running a pub called the Crown Inn in Dukinfield, she later moved to the Feathers in Knutsford, located just next door to the Lord Eldon.

There are many rumours that Annie haunts the Lord Eldon, with reports of flickering lights, moving objects, a white apparition, and unidentified cold draughts.

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A fair and Morris dancing takes place on the Heath, and many attendees wear fancy dress with historical and elaborate outfits.

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Another tradition that still takes place is the ‘sanding’ of the streets. It is a unique custom where coloured sand decorates the pavements, portraying mottos, symbols, and pictures.

Members of the same family have undertaken it for many years. Sanding was performed in Knutsford long before May Day was introduced to celebrate weddings.

It is believed that King Canute started the custom 900 years ago when he sat down to shake sand from his shoes just as a wedding party were passing by. He wished them much luck in their marriage as the sand scattered across their path.