HUNDREDS gathered to welcome Middlewich’s new Rose Fete royals as they paraded through the town on Saturday, June 18.

New Rose Queen Abbie Cooper, who attends Middlewich Primary School, joined the celebrations as a festival parade kicked off FAB proceedings.

Also in the procession were Middlewich MP Fiona Bruce, mayor Pam Farrell and town crier Devlin Hobson, closely followed by dance and music acts from across the weekend.

The entire 2016/17 retinue made their way to Market Field, where the retiring royals, including last year’s Rose Queen Annalise McKenzie, officially handed over their titles.

New royals also received trophies and sashes marking their selection for the Middlewich Rose Fete.

Along with Rose Queen Abbie, this year’s royals include Festival Queen Chloe Garland, Fairy Queen Megan Doherty, Rose Prince Harrison Preston, Rose Princess Alena Carlin, Royal Knave Oliver Wickham and Rose Bud Violet Stanton.

The new royals then boarded a narrowboat for a royal cruise along the canal, before a Children’s Festival began at 1pm in Middlewich Leisure Centre.

Activities in the leisure centre included a bouncy castle and soft play, with stalls and face painting as well as live music and dance displays.

Next year’s FAB Festival is pencilled in for June 16, 17 and 18.