Knutsford Town Council

22Apr2026

Spring into Summer with Sam Youd

Knutsford Market Hall is delighted to announce a special gardening event, “Spring into Summer,” taking place on May 13th. The talk will be led by renowned horticulturist and former Tatton Park Head Gardener, Sam Youd.

Whether you are a seasoned horticulturalist or just starting your gardening journey, this event offers something for everyone. Running from 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm, the session will provide practical, inspirational advice on how to make the most of your outdoor space, no matter the size.

Sam Youd brings a wealth of experience to the market hall. He began his career as an apprentice at the Queen’s estate, has travelled the world lecturing internationally, and exhibited at Chelsea Flower Show. He was Tatton Park’s Head Gardener for 32 years and is an RHS Associate Of Honour. Sam Youd, said, “I am delighted to host this afternoon talk at the market hall. All are welcome, from seasoned gardeners and for those who are new to all things horticultural. The talk will be informative with plenty of time for questions plus a mystery quiz!”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are so pleased to have Sam Youd on board. Not only is he a world class gardening expert, but he is also a regular market hall shopper, and we are so grateful to him for giving up his time. We anticipate tickets will go very quick so book as soon as possible”

The talk starts at 1.15pm and will finish at 2.45pm. Capacity is 50 and full information including booking details and ticket link can be found on www.discoverknutsford.com/events Tickets are priced at £7.50.

21Apr2026

Top UK country acts set to perform at Knutsford Music Festival

Knutsford is set for a huge night of live music this summer as the Knutsford Music Festival brings a Country Collection Evening to St John’s Church on Saturday 6th June and organisers say it could be one of the standout events of the year.

Headlining the evening is UK country sensation Jake O’Neill, who has rapidly become one of the most exciting names in British country music. After rising to national attention on The Voice UK, where he was mentored by Tom Jones, Jake has gone on to top the UK country charts, earning recognition as one of the UK’s leading male country artists.

His music, including fan favourites such as “Better Off Without Me” and “Out of the Blue”, blends heartfelt storytelling with a modern country edge. Jake has even travelled to Texas, the heartland of country music, honing his sound and drawing inspiration from the genre’s roots, something that shines through in his authentic, powerful live performances.

Joining him are Outpost Drive, the Anglo-American duo who are making serious waves on both sides of the Atlantic. Splitting their time between Nashville and the UK, they’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and have supported major touring acts, building a fast-growing international fanbase.

Known for tracks like “Time Is a Dirty Thief” and “Better Off Lonely”, Outpost Drive bring a fresh, transatlantic take on country music, combining rich harmonies with polished songwriting and an energetic stage presence that has wowed audiences wherever they perform.

Caroline Haynes, Events Manager at Knutsford Town Council, said:
“We’re thrilled to be bringing artists of this calibre to Knutsford. Jake O’Neill is at the top of the UK country scene, and Outpost Drive are phenomenal live; acts you’d usually travel to see! Having them both at St John’s Church will make for a truly special, intimate night.”

With its beautiful setting and limited capacity, St John’s Church will offer a rare opportunity to see these rising stars up close, something organisers say is a big part of what makes the event so exciting. There is a real buzz around Country music at the moment and these two acts are right at the heart of it.

Tickets are now on sale for £22.50, but with strong interest already building, they are expected to sell quickly.

Whether you’re a long-time country fan or just looking for a great night out in Knutsford, this promises to be a memorable evening of top-quality live music. The event will take place on Saturday 6th June at St John’s Church in Knutsford. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/knutsfordmusicfestival/2029703

21Apr2026

Knutsford Market Hall celebrates Love your Local Market

Knutsford Market Hall is set to become the buzzing heart of the town this May as it joins the annual Love Your Local Market fortnight. A nationwide campaign run by the National Association of British Markets, this event celebrates the vital role markets play at the centre of the high street community.

Throughout the fortnight, the Market Hall is rolling out an exciting programme of events, bringing together local talent, wellness, technology, and entertainment. Whether you are a regular visitor or looking to discover something new, there is an activity for everyone to enjoy.

Friday 15^th May – Grand opening of Love your Local Market with Knutsford Town Mayor and afterwards songs from Egerton Primary School Choir
Tuesday 19^th May – The Gut Feeling at conversation on gut health and nutrition with York & Co ~ The Grocer
Friday 22^nd May – Feelgood tunes with Maisie Farber Evans
Saturday 23^rd May – Taste of the Market – samples from the Market Café, York & Co, Sweet. Knutsford and Market Hall Butcher
Thursday 28^th May – Tea and Tech – troubleshooting with Knutsford Mobile
Friday 29^th May – Shopping and Songs with Canute Male Voice Singers
Saturday 30^th May – Meet K Pop Demon hunter Mira in the market

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “The market has pulled together a fantastic range of activities for the fortnight. As well as events and talks, there is an opportunity to win vouchers to spend in the market hall. To enter simply make a purchase with any trader or trial the greengrocers and butcher’s delivery service during the fortnight. We would also like to thank Knutsford Hosts for their valuable assistance with Taste of the Market. We want the Knutsford community to re-discover their local market.”

A flyer can be picked up in the market hall and selected town centre businesses, including the library and Curzon. The flyer is also being distributed to local primary schools. All events, including timings, are on the Discover Knutsford website.

The market hall is home to a diverse range of traders –

The Market Café
SWEET. Knutsford
Hot Cocoa
Market Hall Barber
Slipped Discs
Cheshire Party Show
Market Hall Butcher
Knutsford Mobile
York & Co. – The Grocer.

Knutsford Market Hall is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every Makers Market Sunday.

21Apr2026

Shortlist announced for 2026 Town Awards

The shortlist for this year’s Knutsford Town Awards has been announced ahead of the award ceremony next week.

The Knutsford Town Awards, which are organised by Knutsford Town Council and sponsored by the Forum of Private Business, recognise and celebrate the Knutsford community and the people that collectively make Knutsford a thriving and dynamic community. Nominations were submitted by the local community.

The community is invited to attend the awards ceremony to cheer on the nominees. The awards form part of the annual town meeting on Wednesday 29^th April at 7pm in Knutsford Little Theatre.

Three young people have been shortlisted for the Youth Award which recognises those aged 21 and under who are supporting their community. One award will be made, and the nominees are:

Jackson King for raising money to enable more families to attend trips with The Welcome
Lydia Wharfe for her voluntary work with Knutsford Brownies
Ella Williamson for her voluntary work with Knutsford Brownies

The Business Award recognises businesses which give back to the community. One award will be presented, and this year’s shortlist is:

Harrison Wild (of Oliver Wild) for support of members of the business community
Linden Stores for supporting community fundraising
Satya Sanctuary for supporting community fundraising and offering wellbeing sessions

Three nominees have been shortlisted for the Extra Mile Award which goes to those working in paid employment but going above and beyond to the benefit of the community. The shortlist is:

Eve Nolan of Dexter and Jones for her support of other hospitality workers
Clare of Royal Mail for proactively supporting residents who need additional assistance
Fergal Owens of Knutsford Town Council for his work as Groundskeeper at Knutsford Cemetery

The Volunteer of the Year award recognises outstanding volunteering over the last twelve months – nominations under this category are submitted by the organisation themselves to single out an exceptional volunteer. Three nominees have been shortlisted:

David Durrant for volunteer work with Friends of the Heath
Tish Owen for volunteer work with the Tatton Park Charitable Trust
Christine Skinner for volunteer work with the Friends of Knutsford Railway Station

Nominations were also invited to celebrate the community organisations that work to deliver services and support the town. The Community Award is made to an organisation to recognise what they do for Knutsford. One award is made.

Knutsford Community Garden for transforming a neglected space in Knutsford into a community garden
Knutsford Hosts for providing volunteer support for countless Knutsford organisations
Knutsford Methodist Church for supporting the welfare of the Knutsford community, in particular providing the Jelly Tots toddler group for parents and children

The star awards of the evening are the Civic Awards, the ‘Knutsford MBE’, which celebrate the individuals who lead the community and give their time for the betterment of Knutsford. Three Civic Awards are presented each year, and this year’s shortlist is:

Chris Arnold for dedicated service to the youth of Knutsford through the 2025 (Knutsford) Squadron ATC
Julie Brinnand for leadership at 7th Knutsford Brownies
Turid Dinsmore for leadership of the Knutsford Community Garden group
John Finnan for leading the community in seeking the protection of land at Longridge
Pat Heath for dedicated service to Knutsford Lions, Brook Street Chapel and a number of other organisations over many years
Francis McGhee for dedicated service as Secretary to the Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper

Town Mayor, Cllr Bryan Hartley said “”The panel was impressed with the variety and quality of nominations in the Town Awards, it is truly amazing to read more about the incredible work that goes on behind the scenes in our community.

I am looking forward to announcing this year’s winners and celebrating their contribution to Knutsford”

The awards are presented at the Knutsford Town Meeting on Wednesday 29^th April at 7pm in Knutsford Little Theatre.

18Apr2026

Haunted Table adds more dates!

Haunted Table tours are returning to the Taste Knutsford calendar this summer with more dates, more ghosts, and more local flavour.

The Haunted Table is a unique collaboration between Knutsford Ghost Walks and Taste Knutsford. The experience weaves together a spine-chilling stroll through the town’s historic, narrow streets with curated culinary stops at some of Knutsford’s most historic venues. The tour features three culinary highlights: Morgan Edwards Fine Wines and Spirits, Evuna, and the Rose and Crown. Each venue has been selected not only for its exceptional food and drink but for its supernatural heritage, offering guests the chance to dine in buildings where the history, and residents, date back centuries.

“We are delighted with the response to the Haunted Table tours,” said George Williams, who runs Knutsford Ghost Walks. “The evening tours have proved popular with locals and visitors enjoying some gorgeous food with some ghostly walks and talks through Knutsford’s historic streets””

Sandra Curties, Knutsford’s Town Centre Manager, added, “The tour is a great alternative to our daytime tours with just the right balance of history, hauntings, and high-quality dining to satisfy both locals and visitors.”

The summer Haunted Table tours are scheduled for 24^th June and 22^nd July at 6:00 PM. Tickets are £45.00 per person, which includes food, drink, and the guided tour. The experience will last approximately three hours, and tour groups are limited to just 10 people to ensure an intimate and memorable experience.

You can book your spot on this unique tour by visiting www.tasteknutsford.co.uk.

17Apr2026

Theatre production heading to Knutsford Market Hall

Internationally award-winning experts in storytelling, Wright&Grainger, are heading to Knutsford this summer following a successful tour in Australia, where they received five-star reviews at Fringe World Festival in Perth.

Selene tells the story of the Goddess and personification of the moon, known for her beauty and radiant glow – and what happens when she acknowledges the dark side of herself.

The production is being held at Knutsford Market Hall on Friday 26^th June from 7:30pm.

Join Wright&Grainger as they combine Greek Mythology with an epic soundtrack, to turn classical tales to modern myths.

Wright&Grainger said “SELENE is a radical exploding of an ancient myth. It’s about how we grow up living defined by our bodies, and about what happens when that changes. It’s a story about what we’re stuck in the orbit of. It’s a story about the light sides of us and the dark sides of us and it’s about the stuff inside us. All the wild stuff inside of us.”

The production is being hosted by Knutsford Town Council in partnership with Cheshire Rural Touring Arts. The show is suitable for ages 14+ and there will be a bar available for refreshment.

Tickets are £14 and available at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/selene

17Apr2026

Bunny Hop Brings Easter Buzz to Knutsford Town Centre

Knutsford Town Centre welcomed families on Saturday 4th April as the annual Bunny Hop returned for an afternoon of Easter Fun.

The Easter-themed trail, organised by Knutsford Town Council, invited families to explore the town centre by searching for hidden bunnies displayed in shop windows. Each bunny featured a letter, with participants collecting them on entry forms to complete the trail and enter a prize draw.

This year’s Peter Rabbit & Friends theme proved popular, with many families dressing up and taking part in the day’s activities. Alongside the trail, visitors enjoyed a range of entertainment including games and activities at the Market Hall on Silk Mill Street and Easter-themed displays across the town.

The Easter Bonnet Competition was a highlight of the day, with a fantastic range of entries. Knutsford Town Council would like to thank Julia from Knutsford Old Sweet Shoppe and the Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley for judging the competition. Congratulations to the three winners and to everyone that took part with their very creative Easter Bonnets.

The event was kindly sponsored by Little Waitrose, Clare & Illingworth Optometrists, Piccolino, and Linden Stores whose support enabled the event to be delivered for the community.

Caroline Haynes, Events Officer at Knutsford Town Council, said:

“It was fantastic to see so many families out enjoying the Bunny Hop and exploring the town centre. The support from our local businesses and the effort people put into taking part really made the day special.”

For more information about upcoming events, visit www.discoverknutsford.com/events.

16Apr2026

Heathfields Plants return for the summer season

Popular local nursery Heathfields Plants are returning to Knutsford Market Hall from Saturday 18^th April for the summer season.

Run by George Riley, Heathfields will be showcasing their beautiful range of locally grown plants ready to brighten up gardens across the region.

George said, “We are delighted to be back at the market hall for the planting season. Find us outside the market every Friday, Saturday, and Makers Market Sunday. Our popular bedding plants will be available to purchase alongside our ready-made planters and hanging baskets. Free local delivery also available. Come down and visit us!”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are excited to have Heathfields back with us. George is always very popular with customers. This is an exciting time for the market hall; we have lots planned for Love your local market from May 15^th and are looking forward to welcoming our newest trader – SWEET. Knutsford as well. We urge visitors to visit and explore our wonderful market hall”

The full list of market traders is as follows –

The Market Café
SWEET. Knutsford
Cheshire Party Store
Market Hall Barber
Slipped Discs
Hot Cocoa (until 30^th May)
Market Hall Butcher
Knutsford Mobile
York & Co. – The Grocer.

Knutsford Market Hall is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every Makers Market Sunday.

Pop-ups can apply to trade via https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/market-hall/trade

25Mar2026

Knutsford Health & Wellness Week 2026 Brings the Community Together

Knutsford held its third week-long celebration of health and wellbeing this March. Organised by Knutsford Town Council, in collaboration with a range of the town’s health and wellbeing specialists, this year’s theme was ‘Nurturing Mind, Body and Soul’ with both residents and visitors enjoying a varied programme suitable for all ages, needs and abilities.

The week began with Re-Fresh Knutsford, a vibrant community fair at St John’s Church and Knutsford Methodist Church. Visitors explored a variety of local clubs, groups, volunteer opportunities, and wellbeing businesses and discovered new ways to get involved in the community.

The week highlighted how fortunate the town is to have such a wide range of health and wellbeing businesses on its doorstep, offering services and support that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike throughout the year.

Rodger Lewin from Knutsford Hearing Centre

Sign of Refresh Knutsford with blue and white ballons.

An arrangement of grapes, a smoothie, eggs

Womens Hormones talk at York & Co with speakers Monique Qureshi (Yoga Practitioner), Louise Carter (Dietician), Claire Milton (Womens Health GP), Claire Millington (Personal Trainer) and Lucy Norris (Presenter)

Throughout the week, participants took part in an exciting programme of free and discounted taster sessions, including Pilates, yoga, boxing, circuit training, massage, sound baths, and hypnotherapy. Health checks and screenings were also available, covering dry eye care, oral health, osteopathy, cardiovascular wellness, hearing tests, and musculoskeletal assessments. Specialist talks covered nutrition, menopause, infant and child food, posture, and relationship coaching.

Richard Clare, Managing Director of Clare & Illingworth Optometrists, the event’s sponsor, said:

“We were proud to support Knutsford Health & Wellness Week 2026. It was wonderful to see the community come together to explore a wide range of health and wellbeing opportunities, and we were delighted to be part of such an important initiative.”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council, added:

“Health & Wellness Week provided an excellent opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with local wellbeing services and activities. We are grateful to all the businesses who participated and helped make the week so enjoyable for the community.”

The Town Council would like to thank Clare & Illingworth Optometrists for sponsoring the event and all participating businesses for their contributions.

Businesses involved included:

Roberta Beauty Redefined
Elite Health
Clare & Illingworth Optometrists
King Street Dental
Casbah Fitness
Soul Reformer
NC Health & Wellness
Judi Quirke Hypnotherapy
Find Your Backbone
King Street Dental
Satya Sanctuary
Tor Nutrition & Guided Outdoor Adventures
Siân Winslade Relationship Coach
York + Co.
Nicola Parish – Non-Linear Movement Method® and Reiki Healing Meditation
Empower Dance
Tomorrow Cardiovascular Wellness
K Clinic Dental
Knutsford Hearing Centre
Stable Minds
Carmichael Clinic of Physiotherapy & Acupuncture
Helen Jones Nutrition

25Mar2026

Knutsford Bunny Hop Returns for a day of family fun.

Families are invited to hop into Knutsford Town Centre this Easter for the return of the much-loved Knutsford Bunny Hop, taking place on Saturday 4 April 2026.

The annual Easter trail will see children and families exploring the town centre in search of hidden bunnies, each displaying a letter. Participants note the letters on their entry form and once completed, post it into one of the dedicated Bunny Hop post boxes to be entered into a prize draw. Entry forms can be collected from

The Bunny Hop has become a firm favourite in Knutsford’s events calendar. The event was originally created by a group of local residents alongside its ‘sister’ event the Knutsford Pumpkin Path, before being taken on by Knutsford Town Council in 2018. The Council has organised the event ever since.

Taking place between 12pm and 4pm, there will be plenty of fun to enjoy across the town centre alongside the trail. Families can look forward to activities and games at the Market Hall on Silk Mill Street, competitions, Easter displays in the town and more. Expect to see creative costumes, beautifully decorated shop windows and lots of Easter cheer throughout the town.

Attendees can also bring along their Easter bonnets and take part in the Easter Bonnet Competition, held opposite Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe. The competition will be hosted by shop owner Julia and judged by the Mayor of Knutsford from 12.30pm on the day. All participants will receive a small gift for taking part, with prizes awarded for first place and runners-up for the best bonnet.

This year’s theme is Peter Rabbit & Friends, so visitors are encouraged to dress up and join in the fun.

Caroline Haynes, Events Manager at Knutsford Town Council, said:

“The Bunny Hop is always such a joyful day in Knutsford and it’s wonderful to see families exploring the town and supporting our fantastic local businesses. The Peter Rabbit & Friends theme is perfect for Easter and we’re really looking forward to seeing everyone’s costumes and the town buzzing with excitement.”

Many of Knutsford’s amazing local businesses will also be taking part. Look out for ‘Bunny Hop Friendly’ posters in shop windows to find businesses offering special promotions, activities and giveaways during the event.

The Bunny Hop is kindly sponsored by Waitrose, Clare & Illingworth, Piccolino and Linden Stores whose generous support helps make the event possible.

The event takes place casually across the town centre and roads will remain open, so parents and guardians are asked to ensure children are always supervised while enjoying the trail.

For enquiries about the event, please contact enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929 or visit www.discoverknutsford.com.

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