But for the past few years May Queens have carried a slightly lighter task - on their heads.

In the1980s when everything in fashion from stilettos to shoulder pads was big, so was the May Queen's crown.

"When my daughter was May Queen in 1982 the crowns were really quite large," said committee secretary Anne de Ruiter.

"Now they're smaller and a little more comfortable to wear."

Monica Drinkwater, now Hughes, was crowned on a glorious spring day in 1949.

But the young girl did have problems keeping her regal head held high - despite a piece of elastic keeping her crown in place.

"It wasn't incredibly heavy but it did tend to slide off my head," said Monica, of Thorneyholme Drive.

"I found it rather interesting trying to walk on the grass without it falling off."

Until recently head measurements of the May Queen-elect were sent to a specialist crown maker in London.

But now the crowns are made to measure in Macclesfield.

"When they arrived from London it was a bit hit or miss whether they fitted or not," said Anne.

"Now they are fitted properly."

On Friday this year's May Queen Natalie Chui went for the final adjustments to her crown.

Her next glimpse of it will be when crown bearer Matthew Clarke carries it through the streets of Knutsford on May 1.

To help celebrate the 135th year of the festival, Anne hopes to display crowns of former May Queens in the Heritage Centre.

But so far she only has 12, including the crown of first May Queen Annie Sarah Pollitt crowned in 1864.

"We haven't had much response so far but hopefully some more people will come forward," said Anne.

"We need about 20 to make a really good exhibition."

Anyone who can help can contact Anne on (01565) 633143.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.