Jake O'Neill singing at the microphone

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

L to R Mike Oldham (Market Hall Butcher), Melanie Naylor, and Simon Naylor (Cheshire Party Store) Bahattin Atair (The Market Café) Samuel Brown (Market Hall Butcher) and Alex Molloy (York & Co. ~ the Grocer)

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

Town Awards Logo 2026

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 29th 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 Santuary 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 Durarant 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 Distirct 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 29th April at 7pm in Knutsford Little Theatre.