Knutsford Town Council is inviting residents and visitors to share their views on this year’s Christmas events as part of a survey aimed at improving festive celebrations in 2026.
The survey is open now and seeks input from all those who attended this year’s Christmas festivities, whether that was the Knutsford Christmas Lights Switch On, Knutsford Christmas Market or the Knutsford Community Crib Service.
The feedback will help the Council better understand what worked well, how the new event layout and separate dates were received, and where improvements can be made to enhance the visitor experience in future years.
Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green said “Our Christmas events are an important part of Knutsford’s festive calendar and a highlight for many families and visitors. Hearing directly from those who joined us this season will ensure we continue to develop and refine these celebrations in ways that reflect the wishes of our community and visitors alike.”
As a thank-you for taking part, respondents will be entered into a prize draw to win a £20 Knutsford Voucher, redeemable at a range of shops and restaurants in the town centre.
Knutsford Town Council is committed to listening and responding to the views of the community, helping to make Knutsford an even better place to live, work and visit.
Discover Knutsford has today launched a town-wide survey, inviting residents and visitors, to share their views on what makes Knutsford special and how the town can continue to thrive.
As a thank you for their time, everyone who completes the short survey will be entered into a quarterly prize draw to win a share of Knutsford Vouchers, which can be spent at over 50 independent shops, restaurants, and businesses across the town centre.
The short survey, commissioned by Knutsford Town Council under the ‘Discover Knutsford’ brand, seeks feedback to what shops, restaurants and bars visited, whether the visit was combined with a visit to Tatton Park and what people liked and disliked about the town. The data gathered will play a role in informing the town’s strategic plans and helping local partners understand the evolving needs of the community.
Sandra Curties, Knutsford Town Centre Manager, said: “Knutsford is a town with a unique character and a fiercely loyal community. As we look ahead to the coming years, we want to ensure our plans reflect what people truly value—whether that’s our independent high street, our green spaces, or our events. This survey is a quick way for people to have their say, and we’re delighted to offer Knutsford Vouchers as a prize to encourage as many responses as possible.”
The Knutsford Voucher scheme was launched in 2020 to “ringfence” local spending, ensuring that money stays within the town’s economy. Participating businesses range from award-winning restaurants such as Evuna and Linden Stores to long-standing retailers Arthur Lee Interiors and Hal Whittaker.
A link to the survey can be found on small business cards currently being distributed across the town centre. The survey has no end date and prize-winners will be drawn quarterly.
Judges visited Knutsford in August to tour the town centre and view the town’s community managed garden spaces.
Knutsford received the Silver Gilt award in the Large Town category of the main North West in Bloom Awards. The second from top award recognises a high standard entry, which meets virtually all of the judging criteria and includes sections of exceptionally high standards. Silver Gilt exemplifies best practice in multiple areas and demonstrates very high potential for continuing development and sustainable effort. Detailed scoring is awaited to identify how the town can get back to Gold in the 2026 awards.
The North West in Bloom competition judges assess not only horticulture, but also important qualities such as pride of place, sustainability, and community involvement in the town’s floricultural efforts.
Left to Right – Jackie Edwards, Sikha Dutton, Kevin Griffiths, Paul Jackson, Sue Galloway, Roger Brown, Christine Skinner
Four of the town’s community managed garden spaces were awarded the highest accolade of Outstanding in the It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards. The awards recognised the quality of community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening achievement in spaces run by community groups. Crosstown Community Orchard, Mereheath Lane Allotments, Sparrow Lane Allotments and the Railway Station were all recognised with this highest award.
Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Harltey said “This is a remarkable achievement and a true reflection of the hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm shown by the allotment holders and volunteers. The town extends a huge thank you to everyone involved for helping make the area such a beautiful and welcoming place.”
Knutsford’s annual Christmas Window Competition, hosted by Knutsford Town Council, has once again brought seasonal cheer to the town centre.
The annual competition is judged by the Town Mayor alongside Ian Cass, Managing Director of the Forum of Private Business which also sponsors the annual Knutsford Town Awards. Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley and Ian toured the town centre to view all the window displays created by local businesses.
This year the winner was Cranford Café with their handmade window art created by manager Ian Whiteside. In second place was The Blind Pig for their painted window and decorated outdoor area. In third place was NaturalMat for their nature inspired festive display created inhouse from foraged materials.
The overall winner was presented with a trophy and certificate with 2nd Place and 3rd Place certificates going to the runners up. Certificates were also presented for best small window and best charity shop window.
The best small window award went to Morgan Edwards for their lush wreath display. Children’s Adventure Farm Trust won best charity shop window for their fun colourful display.
Second Prize, The Blind Pig, L to R – Adam Hilton The Blind Pig, Knutsford Mayor, Lauren Lavin The Blind Pig, Ian Cass, Forum of Private Businesses
Third Prize, Naturalmat LtoR, Ian Cass Forum of Private Business, Faye Ravenscroft, NaturalMat, Knutsford Mayor, Jessvinder Gill, Naturalmat
Best Small Window Morgan Edwards Fine Wines and Spirits L to R – Ian Cass, Forum of Private Business, Morgan Ward, Morgan Edwards Fine Wines, and Knutsford Mayor
Best Charity Shop Window, CAFT L to R Ian Cass, Forum of Private Business, Angie Greenway Caft Crew, Stephen Leigh, Volunteer, Knutsford Town Mayor
Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley said, ”Once again, the Christmas windows across our town centre have been nothing short of spectacular. It’s clear how much creativity, care, and hard work have gone into each display, with many business owners dedicating countless hours to bring a little extra magic to our streets. Every shop should feel incredibly proud of their contribution to the festive atmosphere that makes our town so special at this time of year.”
“Choosing the winners this year was no easy task. Each display reflected such effort and imagination, so the awards were decided by looking closely at both the craftsmanship and the overall festive impact. Congratulations to all our winners, and a heartfelt thank-you to every business for bringing such joy and Christmas spirit to our community.”
Pictured
Photos by Knutsford Town Council
Photo 1 : First Prize, Cranford Café, L to R Phil Crook Cranford Cafe, Melanie Potts Cranford Cafe, Cllr Bryan Hartley, Sophie Ranfield Cranford Cafe, Ian Whiteside Cranford Cafe, Scarlet Squire Cranford Café and Kismet Singh Cranford Café.
Photo 2 : Second Prize, The Blind Pig, L to R – Adam Hilton The Blind Pig, Knutsford Mayor, Lauren Lavin The Blind Pig, Ian Cass, Forum of Private Businesses
Photo 3: Third Prize, Naturalmat LtoR, Ian Cass Forum of Private Business, Faye Ravenscroft, NaturalMat, Knutsford Mayor, Jessvinder Gill, Naturalmat
Photo 4 Best Small Window Morgan Edwards Fine Wines and Spirits L to R – Ian Cass, Forum of Private Business, Morgan Ward, Morgan Edwards Fine Wines, and Knutsford Mayor
Photo 5 Best Charity Shop Window, CAFT L to R Ian Cass, Forum of Private Business, Angie Greenway Caft Crew, Stephen Leigh, Volunteer, Knutsford Town Mayor
Knutsford was brimming with festive spirit this past weekend as the town welcomed thousands of visitors to its annual Christmas Markets, held on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November. Organised by Knutsford Town Council, this year’s event showcased a refreshed layout expanding the markets across both Princess Street and King Street for the first time, creating a more spacious and enjoyable festive experience for attendees.
The new two-street format offered an extended range of artisan stalls, festive gifts, seasonal treats and unique shopping opportunities. Silk Mill Street hosted a bustling dedicated food trader area, while stalls lined both Princess Street and King Street, giving shoppers more to discover throughout the town centre.
Several of Knutsford’s own retailers embraced the refreshed layout by taking stalls within the markets to increase visibility for their high-street shops. These included Oliver Wild, Verity Plum and Kanoa Living, alongside hospitality businesses Dexter & Jones and Morgan Edwards.
Entertainment filled the streets throughout the weekend, with steel drum performances, brass bands, and a mini funfair by John Collins Funfair outside The Lost & Found. The expanded layout created more room for browsing and helped visitors enjoy a relaxed festive setting across the town.
Stall holder Keith Hutchinson from Simply Turned Wood said “Despite the dreadful weather on Saturday, the Knutsford Christmas Market was a real success. Everything was so well organised, and every member of staff and volunteer we came across was friendly, supportive and unfailingly cheerful. Knutsford had a wonderful festive atmosphere throughout, and the market felt vibrant and busy regardless of the rain.”
Local retailer Gail Travis of Kanoa Living, who also had a stall at the markets, said: “Knutsford really came alive this weekend with the Christmas Markets—such a great, relaxed atmosphere all around the town.”
Knutsford Town Council Events Manager Laura Phillipson added: “It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the festive atmosphere across the town centre this weekend. The expanded layout allowed us to welcome a wider variety of participants, from artisan makers to local businesses, each adding something special to the experience. As we continue to refine the event, we’ll keep building on these changes to bring visitors and residents into the town and showcase Knutsford at its best.”
This year’s markets followed the earlier Christmas Lights Switch On, held separately on 15th November, allowing each event to shine while giving families more space to enjoy the celebrations.
Knutsford Town Council extends its thanks to Bruntwood for supporting the Park and Ride service, the Knutsford Hosts for their help with the Mayor’s Stall, the Discover Knutsford Stall and Park and Ride, and to this year’s event sponsor, Colosseum Dental, for their generous support.
The Town Council also thanks all traders, retailers, performers, volunteers and visitors who contributed to a successful festive weekend.
