Knutsford set for ‘Heritage Open Days’ 2024

Knutsford will once again be on the Heritage Open Days map as the Town Council is working to coordinate a programme of activity for the country’s largest festival of culture and heritage.

Heritage Open Days takes place every September with the aim of providing free events that bring history to life and provide access to interesting historical places. The 2024 festival runs from 6th to 15th September.

The council is setting up a working group of interested parties to develop activity for the festival and is keen to hear from anyone who would like to take part.

Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green said “Knutsford has so much heritage to celebrate, from incredible buildings to links with multiple notable people from history and Heritage Open Days is a great opportunity to showcase what we have.”

The council is also keen to hear from owners of historic properties who would be willing to open them up to the public as part of the festival to small tour groups, offering a rare chance to see part of the town’s history that isn’t routinely on show.

Anyone who is interested in delivering an event as part of Heritage Open Days or able to provide access to a historic site, can contact Sara Frith on sara.frith@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

A man in an easter hat holding easter eggs

Knutsford Bunny Hop Returns This Month

Knutsford’s favourite Easter event will be hopping back to town in just two weeks!

Knutsford Bunny Hop is an annual Easter themed trail event which has been organised by Knutsford Town Council since 2018. The event invites local families to search for 10 cardboard bunnies hidden around the town outside local shops and hospitality businesses and find the letter pinned to each bunny. The letters can then be used to spell a hidden phrase and completed entry forms are submitted in a designated post box to enter a special prize draw!

The event runs annually on Easter Saturday which this year falls on Saturday 30th March 2024 and will be held between 10am-4pm. As well as the main trail, families can enjoy additional entertainment including a colouring competition in Knutsford Market Hall on Silk Mill Street and freebies from local businesses.

Pick up a trail map from one of the local businesses for further information about chocolate workshops at Mini and Moi hosted by Oli the Choc. And hop into St Johns Church for hot cross buns throughout the event.

Be in town between 1pm and 3pm to catch a glimpse of the characters of Alice in Wonderland. Take the opportunity to have your picture taken with one of your favourites. Supported by the team from Noodle Performing Arts.

Attendees can also bring their Easter bonnets along and enter the Easter Bonnet competition opposite Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe on King Street, hosted by owner Julia and judged by the Mayor of Knutsford at 11am on the day of the event. Participants will all receive a small gift each for joining in and there are three prizes available for first place and runners up for the best bonnet!

Special thanks to this year’s silver sponsor Linden Stores. Without the generosity of our great sponsors this event would not be possible.

For any enquiries regarding the event, please contact enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929.

Scary illuminated pumpkins

Knutsford Pumpkin Path 2023

Knutsford’s family friendly Halloween event, the Pumpkin Path, returns this Halloween – Tuesday 31st October, from 4pm to 7pm.

The Pumpkin Path takes place on King Street, Minshull Street and Regent Street which will be closed to traffic. This year’s event is very kindly sponsored by Slater & Gordon, Neptune, Knutsford Admin and Travelbag whose generous support helps make the event possible.

Families can collect an entry form in advance of the event or on the night and follow the hints on the included map to find 11 pumpkins hidden around the closure area. All the pumpkins have a letter carved into them; find all the pumpkins and use the letters to spell the hidden phrase.

You’ll find lots of fun on your way, from themed character actors to live entertainment! Fuschia School of Dance will entertain you on King Street near Giovannis at 5pm and 6pm, while Knutsford Beats will sing some songs at the bottom of Regent Street at 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Don’t forget to visit Wallwood (the wooded area at the top of King Street, opposite Tatton Park) for some spooky fun!

Remember to vote for your favourite Halloween window display on your entry form and drop off your completed entry form to one of the post boxes in Wallwood or at 60 King Street .

The event is free to enter however an optional donation of £1 per child will be graciously accepted to help cover some of the event costs. Entry forms can be collected on the night from one of four desks on King Street and one on Minshull Street. To find out more about the event, visit www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or email enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk, or alternatively you can call 01565 653 929

A man stood with mobile phones at market hall stall

Knutsford Mobile opens in Knutsford Market Hall

Smashed mobile screen? Lost your charging cable? Or just need a new mobile phone that doesn’t break the bank? Head down to Knutsford Market Hall and meet Asim, the owner of Knutsford Mobile which has opened this week.

Asim Qadeer has opened up in the centre of Knutsford taking a stall in the Market Hall. Knutsford Mobile offers is a handy and convenient mobile phone repairs and accessory stall, selling mobile and laptop accessories and offering repairs.

Asim said, “I am delighted to be joining Knutsford Market Hall and have been made to feel really welcome by my fellow traders.  I am looking forward to solving Knutsford’s mobile phone and IT issues so please pay me a visit!”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “a practical IT repair stall is something that we all need from time to time, so we’re pleased to welcome Knutsford Mobile to the Market Hall family.”

The Market Hall is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.   Inside you’ll find authentic Thai food, a deli offering olives and Turkish delight, a traditional barber, second hand vinyl, fresh fruit and veg, a butchers, greeting cards, dog treats and accessories, a crystal stall and a café.

man stood in cafe on the corner

Cafe on the Corner joins Taste Knutsford

One of Knutsford’s much loved and well-established cafes, Café on the Corner, have joined Taste Knutsford. Taste Knutsford is a walking food and drink tour which visits around seven venues sampling from a range of independent venues.

Taste Knutsford was established in 2018 and promotes and supports a range of independent venues in the town centre including:

  • April’s Kitchen
  • Cranford Café & Sandwich Bar
  • Dexter and Jones
  • Evuna
  • Morgan Edwards
  • Hot Cocoa
  • King Street Kitchen
  • Real Fruit Creamery
  • Courthouse Cheshire
  • The Market Hall Butcher
  • The Market Café
  • The Tea Room
  • Detaljer
  • Tatton Perk

Seho Karakas, owner of Café on the Corner said, “We are excited to join the Taste Knutsford team and meet the tour guests.  We are offering a brunch or lunch option which combines the best of British with the best of Turkish!”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “We love arranging these tours.  The feedback we receive from guests regarding the tours is always positive with guests leaving very full! Our tour guides are knowledgeable about each venue and the town, encouraging guests to stay, linger and spend in Knutsford.”

Any small regional or independent hospitality venue can take part in the tour and if you wish be a tour guest you can book via www.tasteknutsford.co.uk  Private tours for 8 or more can also be arranged.

man pointing to taste knutsford sign
Group of people chatting

Knutsford at Home

If you are looking for interior design advice and inspiration, then look no further than Knutsford on September 16th, when the town holds it’s second Knutsford at Home event.

The event is a collaboration between Knutsford’s home and interior shops and businesses in the town centre and will offer shoppers,  inspiration, advice, and ideas as we move into the autumn and winter seasons.

The day’s programme is full of interesting talks, presentations, one-off offers and in some cases fizz and goody bags.

The businesses taking part are Aperture Doors, Arthur Lee, Detaljer, Flock of Arts, Havwoods, Holly Johnson Antiques, Kendal Quality Carpets, Oka, Sofas and Stuff, Suzy Watson Designs, and Terzetto.

Sandra Curties, Knutsford Town Council’s Town Centre Manager, said, “The day’s programme is fantastic and ideal for all home enthusiasts. You can book a talk and pick up gardening advice from RHS member and ex-Head Gardener of Tatton Park Sam Youd at Sofas and Stuff, create a mood board at Susie Watson Designs and even hop on a Havwood’s Routemaster bus to find out about all things flooring”.

Ben Whittaker of Flock of Arts said, “We are delighted to be taking part in this event and love the collaboration with the other interior shops. We will be focusing on the importance of colour and style when choosing a frame as well as showcasing our eclectic range of antiques”.

Lyndsey of Havwoods, said, “We are excited to finally bring our famous Havwoods Routemaster Bus to Knutsford. You will find the bus outside the Lost & Found providing an additional location for us alongside our Regent Street Showroom, which is open for visitors to discover our beautiful range of luxury wood flooring and cladding products.”.

A full programme can be picked up at any participating shop plus Knutsford Library, The Curzon, Knutsford Railway Station, and other shops within the town centre. Those interested can also follow Knutsford Town Council’s Facebook page and the event’s Instagram page Knutsford at Home.

Man with products from stall

Digby and Champ new stall holder at Knutsford Market Hall

A speciality dog stall Digby and Champ has opened within Knutsford Market Hall.

The stall offers everything dog owners and their dogs could ever need or want! On offer is a gorgeous range of treats, chews, toys, clothes, grooming products, and accessories.  Digby and Champ are already established in Chester Market Hall, and this is their second venture.

Will Mason, owner said, “We are delighted to join Knutsford Market Hall and have received a warm welcome from both traders and residents.  We know Knutsford is such a dog friendly town and we are looking forward to meeting all its four-legged friends.  We stock everything a dog and dog owners could possibly want so do pop in!

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are delighted to have Digby and Champ join our Market Hall family. The stall looks fantastic with a great range of products that will appeal to all the dog owners of Knutsford and beyond!”

Knutsford Market Hall is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.   Traders are as follows – Kanom Thai, Med Olives, The Market Butcher, M&J Cards, Jonty’s Fruit & Veg, The Market Café, The Market Hall Barber, Slipped Discs and Nyx Cat Crystals.

man with shop products
Group of people with their Flower in Wallwood design

Flowers in Wallwood display

Visitors to Knutsford Town Centre will find a vibrant display of unique flowers decorated by children from Knutsford’s schools and nurseries and residents of retirement homes as the Town Council’s third Flowers in Wallwood display.

The flowers were crafted by Knutsford Town Ranger Bob Garner from sustainable materials and one flower was provided to each of the participating schools, nurseries, and retirement homes in Knutsford and surrounding villages. The initiative was funded through sponsorship from The Tea Room and Detaljer.

The flowers have been decorated in a style reflecting the RHS theme of Senses. Participants were innovative in decorating the flowers in to reflect each sense making them both a joy to look at and hear.

The display has been installed in Wallwood, the council’s community woodland near the entrance to Tatton Park.  A small, photoshoot session led Tessa Harri Carroll photography took place on Tuesday 18th July with Knutsford Town Mayor Peter Coan, representatives from sponsors and many of those involved in decorating the flowers. Town Ranger Bob Garner then ‘planted’ the flowers.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said: “It was lovely to see so many of those involved plus representatives from our two generous sponsors visit Wallwood for our little photoshoot. We had a great time celebrating the achievements of this project and admiring all the beautiful flowers. Everyone has put so much hard work into these creations from their and we are amazed at the level of thought, effort and creativity that has been put into every single flower.”

Sandra added: “A massive thank you must go out to our sponsors The Tea Room and Detaljer without whose support this project wouldn’t have been possible! It has been a real community effort and an exciting project to work on. We encourage everyone will take the chance to visit Wallwood and have a look at the wonderful display. We hope to be able to continue this project next year”.

The flowers will be in Wallwood until early September (weather dependent) after which they will be returned to the schools for permanent display. Can’t view them in person? Check out the Town Council’s Facebook page where you can view photos of the children’s’ efforts.

Group of people with Flowers in Wallwood and the Mayor
Town Ranger amongst the flowers at Wallwood

A feast for the senses as Flowers in Wallwood returns

Wallwood, the woodland area at the top of King Street in Knutsford, will soon be decked with decorated flowers for the third Flowers in Wallwood display.

Organised by Knutsford Town Council, the Town Ranger, Bob Garner crafts the flower bases out of sustainable materials. The flowers are then sent to local primary schools, retirement, and care homes to be decorated. The brief for this year’s creations is ‘The Senses’ to reflect the RHS theme for the flower show at neighbouring Tatton Park.

The designs will be unveiled at Wallwood on 18th July with a visit from the Mayor of Knutsford, Peter Coan. Afterwards the Town Ranger will ‘plant’ the flowers in Wallwood where they will remain on display throughout the summer.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said “We are excited to see how each participant has decorated their flower. In previous years, this initiative has created a wonderful decoration in Wallwood. We anticipate this year will be no different and the display will be well worth a visit.”

Sandra added “We are grateful to the sponsors of this display without whose support this project wouldn’t have been possible”

The installation has been sponsored by local independent businesses, Detaljer and The Tea Room.

Caterine Hooper from Detaljer said “We are delighted to be working together with The Tea Room to support this lovely community event. We can’t wait to see the results and look forward to visiting the display in Wallwood”

Harriet Henry from The Tea Room said “We have always loved to visit Flowers in Wallwood and are proud to sponsor this beautiful community exhibition”

AS group of people dining alfresco in Knutsford

Alfresco Dining returns to Knutsford Town centre this summer

Alfresco Dining returns to Knutsford Town Centre this summer

Five evenings of alfresco dining will take place in Knutsford over the summer through July, August and September.

Minshull Street will close to traffic along with parking bays on Princess Street on 21st July from 6pm until 10:30pm to allow for restaurants, bars and cafes to place tables and chairs outside for outdoor dining. On Saturday 22nd July, a section of King Street will be closed to traffic from 6pm to 10:30 pm. Minshull Street will be closed for a further three Saturdays, 29th July, 26th August, 16th September to host alfresco dining between 12noon and 10:30pm.

Knutsford Town Council has collaborated with town centre restaurants and cafes to organise the road closures and allow for large scale outdoor dining evenings throughout the summer. Amberon will be providing traffic management services and the roads will re-open at 10:30pm ready for the next day’s trading.

The first alfresco evenings on this scale in Knutsford took place in September 2021 as part of the Town Councils work supporting local business during post lockdown recovery.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “In 2021 we had a positive response to the alfresco evenings from customers and restaurants alike. We are excited to be able to bring them back for 2023.”

The Minshull Street and Princess Street closure takes place from 6pm to 10:30pm on Saturday 21st July and covers the following areas.

  • The entire length on Minshull Street
  • Selected parking bays on Princess Street
  • The section of Princess Street outside Lost & Found.

The King Street, road closure takes place on 22nd September from 6pm to 10:30pm and covers the following areas:

  • King Street from the junction with Church Hill to the junction with Minshull Street.

Minshull Street will also be hosting three afternoon sessions from 12pm to 10:30pm on July 29th, August 26th and September 16th. Amberon will provide traffic management services throughout each road closure.

The following venues will be providing alfresco dining or drinking tables from 6pm to 10.30pm –

Princess & Minshull Street (21st July)

  • Café on the Corner
  • Lost & Found
  • April’s Kitchen
  • Project 53
  • The Angel

King Street (22nd July)

  • Morgan Edwards
  • Gusto
  • Smokehouse and Cellar
  • King Street Kitchen
  • Piccolino
  • Wine and Wallop
  • Café on the Corner

Minshull Street (29th July, 26th August, 16th September)

  • Project 53

Sandra continues “These evening road closures provide additional outside space to venues for their customers to enjoy the amazing food and drink Knutsford offers while also enjoying the iconic surroundings of Knutsford town centre. We hope these sessions are busy and give the town centre a lively continental atmosphere during the summer months”.

Patrons are urged to contact their chosen venue direct to see whether they need to book a space in advance.  If the evenings are cancelled due to adverse weather, the cancellation will be announced across both Knutsford Town Council’s and the participating venues social media platforms.

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