CLOSING Knutsford Sessions House will spoil the Royal May Day Festival.

For more than 100 years the May Queen has joined the procession from the courtyard at the back of the historic building.

But the plans to shut the 19th Century grade II* listed building will end years of tradition.

"I guess it would be the final nail in the coffin for the tradition of May Day," said Ken Gresty, chairman of Knutsford Royal May Day Festival Committee.

"Many things have been forced to change over the years but that is one tradition we've always relied on."

Unlocking

"If the court closes the May Queen will have to join from the civic centre - but it won't be the same to emerge past a line of petrol pumps."

Spectators at next month's May Day Festival will notice a change in the traditional departure route.

May Queen Deborah Coan will not emerge from under the Sessions House archway because the Court Service will not be unlocking the gate for the occasion.

"She will leave from the courtyard at the front, which means spectators will see her before she joins the procession," said Mr Gresty. "I guess we've already been affected by changes to the Sessions House.

"But I think it is only going to get worse."