CROWDS lined the streets of Middlewich on Saturday to witness the festival parade before watching the new rose queen being crowned.

Annalise McKenzie, 10, who goes to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, was crowned as the 2015/16 Middlewich rose queen on Market Field on Saturday, June 20, to kick start a huge weekend for the town.

Annalise was part of the parade which went from Tesco car park to Market Field.

Last year’s rose queen Poppy Maskill, as well as the rest of this year’s retinue and rose queen’s from neighbouring villages were also in the parade.

The new rose queen and her retinue then took off on a royal cruise on a narrowboat along the canal.
Michelle Game, Rose Fete chairman, said: “It was fantastic despite the weather to start with. All of the children looked fantastic in their dresses and suits.

“Andersen Boats provided a boat to take the retinue around the canal throughout the day. They did it last year and we’re hoping it can carry on and become a bit of a tradition. The children loved it and they were loving waving to everyone as they went past. They all really enjoyed themselves.

“It gives the children a chance to represent their town and be a part of it. I’d like to say a big thank you to all the people that took part.”