2025 | Knutsford Town Council

20Aug2025

Knutsford buzzes with art and alfresco dining

Knutsford was a hive of creativity on August 17th as the town hosted its inaugural Paint Knutsford and Young Artist of the Year competitions. Over 30 professional and amateur artists turned Knutsford into an open-air studio, capturing iconic buildings, green spaces, and streetscapes.

Sponsored by King Street Dental Practice, the event culminated in an exhibition at Knutsford Market Hall where a judging panel, including Knutsford Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley and gallery owner Tony Turner, selected the winners.

Jill Aspen took first place for her stunning painting of the moor lake. Jill said, “What a lovely day spent painting in the sunshine. There were so many fantastic artists there, and I met lots of lovely Knutsford folk. To win first place just topped off a fabulous day. Thanks so much to everyone involved. I can’t wait for Paint Knutsford 2026”

Second place went to Liz Wheeldon-Wyatt for her illustration of the newly opened Stolen Lamb restaurant.

Jill Aspen – Overall winner of Paint Knutsford

Liz Wheeldon Wyatt – 2nd place — Jill Aspen – Overall winner of Paint Knutsford

Tony Tuner owner of The Next Door Gallery said, “I was delighted to be involved in the first Paint Knutsford. What a lovely event. I was so impressed with the range of entries from both the adult entrants and young artists – particularly in the 12-17 years category. The level of skill was outstanding. A huge congratulations to the winners and everyone who took part. Roll on 2026”

Rosie Birchill – 2nd place 12-17 — Jenna Reid – 1st place 12-17 category

The next generation of artists was also celebrated in the Young Artist of the Year competition, drawing a wide range of entries from local budding artists. Edie Joe Fuller (age 7) won the 4-11 years category, with Richard Taberner (age 6) as the runner-up. In the 12-17 years category, two Knutsford Academy students took the top spots: Jenna Reid in first place and Rosie Birchall as runner-up.

Alfresco dining also took place on King Street creating a festival like atmosphere in the town.

Wallop, Mowgli, Piccolinos, Gusto, Smokehouse and Cellar, Rose and Crown, Patrick’s Irish pub, and Morgan Edwards all offered outdoor seating allowing visitors and residents to enjoy the glorious weather

Alfresco Dining by Smokehouse and Cellar — Alfresco Dining by Rose and Crown

Andy Vo, manager of the Smokehouse and Cellar said, “Al Fresco dining has become an established feature in Knutsford’s Summer social scene. It provides an outdoor festival atmosphere for diners and drinkers alike. This year was no exception, and the glorious weather drew in many locals and visitors from further afield.”

David Sims, owner of the Rose and Crown said, “What a day for alfresco dining! The Rose and Crown team had a wonderful day greeting regulars and visitors alike. The Paint Knutsford event was an additional draw and the atmosphere in town was amazing!”

Laura Phillipson, Events Manager at Knutsford Town Council said, “The feedback from the artists, our King Street hospitality and visitors to the town was amazing. Watching the artists in action and their painting unfold was such a unique experience. Congratulations to our winning entrants and everyone who took part. We hope to repeat this event next year and hopefully the sun will also make a return visit!”

All entries have been uploaded to social media for an additional public vote which closes on 26^th August. The entries can be viewed on Knutsford Town Council’s website and Facebook pages.

Cast your vote on the following link – https://form.jotform.com/252312585494360

Garry Hartley painting The White Bear — Patrick Jones painting by the Moor

Images by Knutsford Photographic Society.

For further information on our events programme, visit www.discoverknutsford.co.uk or @DiscoverKnutsford on our social channels. Enquiries can be sent to enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929.

20Aug2025

MAK Clinic scores a hat trick!

Regent Street based Medical Aesthetics Knutsford (MAK) has scored a hat trick and signed up for three town council led initiatives – the Knutsford voucher, Take a Seat and is the first to sign up to the feeding charter.

MAK clinics moved to its Regent Street location from King Street earlier this year. The clinic is a member of the British Association of medical Aesthetic Nursers and recognised by Save Face the government approved register for practitioners and clinics. Jennifer Dowdall clinic owner said, “We love our location in the heart of Knutsford and Knutsford’s wonderful community. We are lucky to operate from a fully accessible building in Regent Street so taking part in Take a Seat and the feeding charter was an easy decision for us. Plus, by accepting the Knutsford voucher we’ve made it easier for clients to access our treatments.”

Pictured with Jennifer Dowdall is her friend Michaela who has multiple sclerosis. Michaela said, “Schemes like this may seem irrelevant to some as we’ve so many coffee shops in town. However, with having MS and despite walking with a stick when necessary, I still find I must stop every 100 metres or so. Knowing that I can ‘take a seat’ in certain spots around the town is invaluable to me and enables me to enjoy Knutsford and all it has to offer. I would urge more businesses to take part in the scheme – it costs nothing but means everything to people such as myself”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager for Knutsford Town Council, said, “We are grateful to Jennifer and the team at MAK clinic for taking part in these three schemes. The clinic is completely accessible and is an ideal spot to ‘take a seat’ when walking from Princess to King Street. We will be launching our feeding charter very soon, but it is great that MAK clinic is the first to sign up”

The Knutsford voucher was launched in 2020 and currently 50 different businesses accept the scheme. The voucher can be ordered via the Discover Knutsford website or in person at the town council offices. They come complete with a gift card, and each business is paid back in full.

MAK clinic join the following businesses in the Take a Seat scheme –

Holly Johnson Antiques
Knutsford Heritage Centre
Nxtep Gym
Tatton Perk
The Tea Room
Clarity Contemporary Jewellery
Mellor Braggins
Detaljer
Knutsford Methodist Church
Lost and Found
Arthur Lee
Dexter and Jones
Knutsford Hearing Centre
Cranford Café
The Cotswold Company

19Aug2025

Fun for all the family at Family Fest

The sun was shining on Sunday 10^th August for the third Knutsford Family Fest. Families flocked to the town to take advantage of the variety of family friendly activities across shops, restaurants, and community spaces in Knutsford town centre.

Attendees had options to start the day with a choice of family friendly yoga sessions from Sataya Sanctuary, a lively music class from Popcat’s Music Time or a phonics class with Robot Reg!

Children also had a chance to stitch their own souvenir in Knutsford Heritage Centre after viewing their stunning Millennium Tapestry.

The Knutsford Fire Service was in attendance outside the Lost and Found showing children around the fire engine. There was some wonderful food and drink on Minshull Street courtesy of Linden Stores and Jordy’s Pizza and also outside The Lost and Found. Both were bustling with diners enjoying the chilled-out atmosphere and sunshine. There was also a paella party at everyone’s favourite Spanish restaurant Evuna.

Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe hosted face painting sessions and a fancy dress competition judged by Knutsford Town Mayor Councillor Bryan Hartley. There was also a well-attended children’s disco at Knutsford Market Hall which also saw Bahattin of The Market Café demonstrate some Greek dancing!

The sponsor of the event, Cottons had a pop-up promoting their hotel alongside a competition to win a spa day for two. Ian Gatley, Cotton’s Sales Manager, said, “We loved taking part in our first family fest. It was lovely to see so many people outside in the sunshine enjoying themselves. Thanks to everyone who came to visit us and congratulations to the winner of our spa competition.”

Sandra Curties, Town Central Manager at Knutsford Town Council said; “We were delighted with the response to our third family Fest. The sun shone and children of all ages had a wonderful time. Thanks to everyone who collaborated on this event, we can’t wait for Family Fest 2026. It was also wonderful to see our refurbished market hall come to life with an amazing children’s disco tunes from DJ Pete Deane!”

Photo Credit – Charlie Norbury Photography

15Aug2025

Stolen Lamb joins the Knutsford voucher family.

Knutsford’s newest restaurant, the Stolen Lamb, has joined the growing list of businesses accepting the Knutsford Voucher.

The family-run Greek restaurant opened in August in the former Botanist premises on King Street and has proved extremely popular with locals and visitors since opening. Saphina Hadjiyianni, owner, said “We’ve been delighted with the welcome we’ve received in Knutsford. We’ve been so busy too with both locals and visitors paying a visit to taste our authentic Greek dishes – so a huge thank you! We are pleased to accept the Knutsford voucher too – it is a great scheme that both keeps spend local and makes a great gift!”

Photo – Sandra Curties of Knutsford Town Council

Left to Right Saphina Hadjiyianni (owner) and Charley Ruocco (manager) of The Stolen Lamb — Photo – Sandra Curties of Knutsford Town Council
Left to Right Saphina Hadjiyianni (owner) and Charley Ruocco (manager) of The Stolen Lamb

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager for Knutsford Town Council, said, “When we introduced the voucher scheme back in 2020, we had no expectation as to the response or longevity of the scheme. We are so pleased it is still in operation, and we’ve added a gift card too. The voucher makes such a lovely gift for all ages with such a variety of businesses accepting it. We are proud to say you can now enjoy Greek food alongside buying a coffee, a cushion, womenswear, or a chicken!”

Press Contact Sandra Curties Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

13Aug2025

Big Bulb Plant Back for 2025

After a two-year hiatus, the Knutsford Big Bulb Plant is back for 2025.

The community-led bulb planting programme puts the bulbs in the hands of residents – inviting them to host a bulb planting event on their neighbourhood green spaces across a two-week period. This year’s Big Bulb Plant will run from 20^th September to 5^th October.

The initiative is coordinated by Knutsford Town Council which provides planting organisers with a collection of suitable bulbs and leaflets to deliver to neighbours inviting them to lend a hand.

Residents who want to see more spring flowering bulbs popping up on spaces near them in spring 2026 can register to host a bulb planting event on the Town Council website at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/big-bulb-plant. They just need to register a location, date and time of their planned planting session (which must be within the period from 20^th September to 5^th October).

Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green said “The Big Bulb Plant is all about seeing our town bursting with colour in the spring, whilst also providing some much-needed early nectar for our pollinating insects”.

Previous years have seen bulbs planted at green spaces across the town, from Manor Crescent to Queensway. Previously planted areas can have more bulbs to boost displays.

11Aug2025

A Roof Over the Heads of Hall Users

St Cross Church is one of the latest organisations to receive support through the Knutsford Town Council Community Grant Scheme.

The church has been awarded £1,500 towards the projects costs of recovering the church hall roof. The hall was built in 1980 – 100 years after St Cross Church itself was built and this is the first time the roof has been recovered.

The renewal of the roof will support a vital community asset and was supported with donations of over £12,000 and funding from other sources. As an accessible building with a range of modern and renovated facilities, the hall is used for several community purposes, the lynchpin of which is Hope Central – a charity bringing hope and relieving poverty in Cheshire East.

Hope Central use the hall as a base for their Monday morning drop-in centre, which offers free access to a range of services, as well as food, hot drinks and opportunities for connection and community. Individuals can access debt help, support into employment, and access to courses which provide support about how to live well on a budget. The service has significant impact across the town, fortified use of the hall.

Reverend Paul Deakin, Vicar of St Cross Church, thanked Knutsford Town Council for its award of £1,500 grant towards the cost of recovering the church hall roof:

“As part of the re-roofing project, improved insulation was put in place, alongside a double-glazed replacement skylight. It is all part of the church’s efforts to be as sustainable as possible.”

“The works ensure the hall’s continued use as a community hub by organisations ranging from a Pilates group to the foodbank and weekly drop-in centre run by Hope Central. Organisations are welcome to use the hall – and there’s still some availability for others to do so. By all means let me know, if you’re interested.”

For more information about St Cross Church please visit https://www.stcrossknutsford.org.uk/ or call 01565 640702.And if you’d like to find out more about Hope Central please visit https://hopecentral.org.uk/.

The Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support community projects and activities within Knutsford. Funding priorities include providing services/opportunities for young people or older people, providing new or improved assets or services for the community and enhancing the profile or reputation of the Town. The next deadline for applications is 31^st August. For more information visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants.

1Aug2025

Silence to honour VJ Day 80

Knutsford Town Council will be holding a short two-minute silence at 12 noon on the 15^{th of} August to honour the 80^th Anniversary of VJ Day.

Led by the Town mayor, Cllr Bryan Hartley it will take place at the Centennial War Memorial, Library Garden, Toft Road.

We hope the Knutsford community can join us as we pay tribute to all those who served in the Far East and the Pacific.

For more information contact Gemma Jackson, Civic Events officer gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

31Jul2025

Family Fest returns to town

The third Family Fest is returning to Knutsford once again this summer.

Family Fest takes place across the town’s shops, restaurants, and community spaces and sees Knutsford Town Council collaborating with local businesses to organise a day jam packed with activities.

The event takes place on Sunday 10^th August and is kindly sponsored by Cottons Hotel and Spa.

Families can start the day gently with a choice of four yoga sessions with Satya Sanctuary, a phonics session with Robot Reg at Charlton Lodge, and enjoy a paella party at Evuna with children receiving a free soft drink and ice cream! Families can then finish the day with a children’s disco with dancing, games and prizes hosted by DJ Pete Deane at Knutsford Market Hall. The disco can be booked by visiting https://www.discoverknutsford.com/product/family-fest-childrens-disco/ popping into the Council Offices on Toft Road or calling the town council on 01565 653929 to make payment and reserve your slot.

For the creatives, Knutsford Olde Sweet shop will be holding a fancy dress competition, with prizes for each entrant.

We are also hoping for an appearance from Knutsford Fire Service (outside the Lost and Found) and a police van at Minshull Street, pending any emergencies.

This year’s event also coincides with alfresco dining on Minshull Street with Linden Stores co-hosting a pizza party (including live music) with Jordy’s Pizza.

Ian Gatley of Cottons said “We love being part of the community in the town and are delighted to sponsor Knutsford’s third FamilyFest. We look forward to meeting visitors and residents at our pop-up outside the Lost and Found and good luck to those entering our prize draw to win a spa day for two!”

Activities include:

Face painting and fancy-dress competition at Knutsford Olde Sweet Shop
Paella party at Evuna
Four family friendly yoga sessions at Satya Sanctuary
Phonics with Robot Reg at the Tatton Room in Curzon
Children’s Disco with DJ Pete Deane at Knutsford Market Hall
PopCat’s Music Time at Knutsford Market Hall
Linden Stores hosting an alfresco pizza party with Jordy’s Pizza including live music.
Stitch your own souvenir at Knutsford Heritage Centre
Cotton’s Hotel and Spa pop-up and prize draw
Fire Engine Fun outside the Lost and Found

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said “We are delighted to see the return of FamilyFest. Last year’s event proved extremely popular with families. We’ve pulled together a great programme with lots of variety so hopefully there is something for everyone. Just collect a flyer from local shops, the library and market hall, visit www.discoverknutsford.com and book any activities where required and just enjoy the atmosphere. Like everyone else we are praying for the sun to shine!”

29Jul2025

Paint Knutsford just under three weeks away

If you’re visiting Knutsford this summer, Paint Knutsford! is a must-see artistic event taking place on Sunday 17 August 2025, from 9.30 am to 5pm. Organised by Knutsford Town Council and kindly sponsored by King Street Dental, this free-to-attend open-air painting festival brings art to life in the historic town centre.

Over 30 Artists—both professionals and amateurs—will set up outdoor ‘studios’ around the town, painting live throughout the day and a trail map will be available guiding you to each artists location so you can watch creations unfold in real time. The finished artwork will be displayed in Knutsford Market Hall from 4:30pm where a judging panel will decide who takes home the prize.

As part of the festivities, Knutsford Market Hall will also exhibit a special display of artwork by Knutsford’s budding young talents with judging taking place at 3.30pm by Knutsford Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley and local gallery owner Tony Turner.

Speaking about the event, Tony said “It’s always difficult to judge individual artwork but initial impact of colour and narrative play a huge part for me. I’m looking forward to this event tremendously and seeing all the artist’s work and their enthusiasm.”

Alongside the event, Alfresco Dining will be in place along King Street allowing visitors to watch the painting whilst enjoying the local Knutsford hospitality.

Maps of the artists locations can be picked up at Council offices and various town centre businesses.

28Jul2025

LOL Cheshire event to support Town Mayor’s Charities

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Bryan Hartley and Paul Langley of LOL Cheshire are excited to announce a special fundraising comedy night to be held at Knutsford Little Theatre. This collaboration is now into it’s second year, with tickets selling out super-fast in 2024.

The LOL X Mayor of Knutsford Comedy Night takes place on 19^th September at Knutsford Little Theatre with doors opening at 7:15pm, featuring some of the finest comedians from LOL Cheshire, including MC Dom Woodward, Joe Zalias and Gavin Webster.

Paul Langley says “After the success of the event in 2024, I am thrilled to be supporting the Town Mayor again at LOL X The Mayor. You can expect not only a brilliant night of stand up from the very comedians around but also raising vital funds for the Knutsford in Bloom and East Cheshire Hospice.

Civic Events officer, Gemma Jackson “Last years event was hilarious, my face hurt from laughing so much. The event was such a success due to Paul and the volunteers at Knutsford Little Theatre. I would like to thank them for supporting the mayors fundraising efforts”.

Tickets are priced at £15, with all proceeds going to the Mayor’s chosen charities, East Cheshire Hospice and Knutsford in Bloom. They can be purchased online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/socialpromotions.

Cllr Bryan Hartley added “I encourage you to buy your tickets early, as this event is expected to sell out quickly”

For more information, please contact civic events officer Gemma Jackson by email gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or by telephoning 01565 653929

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