VIDEO: GREY skies, wind and occasional showers did little to deter the community spirit at Appleton Thorn for the annual Bawming the Thorn event.
Special guest of honour was Lord Ashbrook from Arley Hall, who performed the official opening ceremony and also had three grand children taking part n the parade, including the Page Benjamin Flower.
With strong family connections to the area Lord Ashbrook said it was an honour to attend the event made even more special with three grand children involved.
He said he wished he could attend more often but the event often clashed with other events across Cheshire.
Legend has it that the thorn tree, which stands beside the local church, is believed to be an offshoot from the Glastonbury thorn which grew from the staff of Joseph.
Adam de Dutton, a knight of the crusades and local landowner brought it to Appleton Thorn in 1178, although the current tree is a relative newcomer.
Bawming the Thorn involves decorating the tree with flowers and ribbons, with local school children from Appleton Thorn Primary School performing the bawming dance.
Pupils from Appleton Thorn Primary School re-enacted the bawming dance with pupils John Wilson taking the role of Knight and Benjamin Flowers as Page.
Page Benjamin Flower and Knight John Wilson
Pupils perform the traditional Bawming dance
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