‘Royal’ arrival by canal boat heralds 40th anniversary of Rose Queen Festival

Whaley Bridge’s Rose Queen Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary on Saturday 27 June, starting with a right royal arrival by canal boat for the start of the Parade and celebrations. In pride of place on the Judith Mary will be two little girls from the Rose Queen Royalty, Seren Adlington. eight, and Katie Fairs, six (see pictures below.)

They also have a special place in the procession, starting at 1pm from Canal Street and finishing at the Bowling Club about an hour later for an afternoon of fun. Seren and Katie are looking forward to waving to the crowds from their colourful float.

It’s anniversary time, too, for Whaley Bridge Band – an amazing 150 years – who will play the procession through the town, and the Billerettes, a Rose Queen favourite, also 40 years old.

Yet another anniversary will be noted – 75 years since the Battle of Britain – when a Supermarine Spitfire from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will roar over Whaley Bridge at about 3pm. The pilot, Wing Commander Justin Helliwell, will be on a familiar flightpath – last year he piloted the Hurricane flying over the Rose Queen celebrations.

Throughout the afternoon at the Bowling Club there will be lots going on: a display by the Billerettes, a parade of queens, a display by Bushi Kempo Ju Jitsu, stalls, refreshments and a funfair.

Events linked to the Rose Queen Festival include:

Sunday 28 June, Whaley Bridge Band perform near the Welldressing site at Tom Brad’s Croft from 2pm, before the Blessing at 2.30pm.

Wednesday 1 July, annual pet show at the Bowling Club. Booking in from 6pm, judging starts at 6.30pm.

pet 1

The Rose Queen Festival raises money for local youth groups and other organisations. Requests for donations should be sent to Mrs J Aizlewood, 6 Meadow Close, Whaley Bridge SK23 7BD.

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