Jeanette Hine | Knutsford Town Council

6Dec2024

Knutsford’s Christmas Sparkle: Light Switch on and Festive Market Weekend!

Last weekend the picturesque market town of Knutsford put on its annual Knutsford Market weekend with Light Switch On. Princess Street was filled with over 130 market stalls of the finest artisan products for a weekend of festive shopping.

Saturday featured the wonderful town lights being switched on by The Mayor of Knutsford Colin Banks and his wife the Mayoress, Christine. He was joined on stage by the May Queen and Crown Bearer and the man in red himself Santa. Local celebrity chef and TV personality Aiden Byrne also joined them onstage to help the crowd in the countdown to 6pm when the tree in Canute place, and the town lights, were lit to a huge round of applause. Aiden has recently opened restaurant Li-ly by Aiden Byrne, with his wife Sarah on King Street in Knutsford.

Headline act, The Breakfast Club kept everyone entertained with some well-known Christmas favourites, rounding off the entertainment on a magical high.

Councillor April Johnson commented ‘It was magical, and I think really started the Christmas season off with a bang’.

Simon Carin, The Welcome said ‘certainly the best Christmas Market I have attended. Good to see the markets so busy as well. I had forgotten how good the Town looks with all the Christmas lights up, it really is a great place to live.’

This years Santa Parade was a huge hit with hundreds gathering along King Street to catch a glimpse of Santa in his sleigh, care of Together Knutsford. Joining him along the way, The City of Chester Bluecoat Band, a local brownie group, Elsa and Anna, and a cheeky bunch of elves having the most magical of times.

Alex Molloy Events Manager said ‘We are so lucky to have such a brilliant community in Knutsford, that brings people in from far and wide to enjoy the atmosphere and mark the start of our festive season in this beautiful town. People came in their thousands with several traders reporting record breaking sales days. This event is a huge part of the events calendar and is only possible with the support of our sponsors, Savills, Cygnet Health (Tabley House Care Home), Bruntwood and Speedy Freight. Special thanks to Knutsford Hosts, The Rotary and The Scouts for the much-needed people power to ensure we can operate.’

Join the Mayor of Knutsford, local Churches, Manor Park School Choir and the Cit of Chester Brass Band on Saturday 7^th December 4-5pm outside Lost and Found for this years Christmas Crib Service. This is a free event. Visit https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas-events

5Dec2024

Call for Community Groups – ReFresh 2025

Knutsford’s Community freshers-style fair, ReFresh Knutsford, is set to return in January 2025 giving community groups, charities, and clubs the opportunity to showcase their organisation and recruit members. This year ReFresh will be in conjunction with wellness week, which focuses on mental and physical health.

Organised by Knutsford Town Council, ReFresh Knutsford emerged in 2021 as a community fair based on the concept of a ‘freshers fair’. The event gave Knutsford residents old and new the opportunity to discover organisations and clubs and connect them better to things going on in the community.

Knutsford Town Council are currently recruiting community groups, charities, and clubs to showcase their organisation on the 18^th January. The event will be held across two venues: St Johns Church and Egerton Place from 1pm – 3pm. It is free to exhibit for all groups.

Communication Officer Laura Anderson said ‘Knutsford is lucky to be the home of many interesting clubs and community groups. We understand it can be hard for clubs to get their organisation known and for residents to find exactly what they are looking for. This event for is a brilliant opportunity to connect these groups to residents and showcase what they do’

Any group wishing to exhibit at this event can do so by contacting enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk . The deadline for expressions of interest is 20^th December 2024.

5Dec2024

Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe awarded first place in Knutsford’s Christmas Window Competition!

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 Colin Banks and Ian toured the town centre to view all the window displays created by local businesses.

This year the winner was Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe with their traditional festive window that has continued to delight younger visitors to the town. Jessica Stone salon, who opened earlier this year on Church Hill, took second place for the elegant and carefully decorated window. Tatton Perk came third with their artistic Christmas illustration which was the work of a staff member Alexander Montgomery.

The overall winner was presented with a trophy and certificate with 2^nd Place and 3^rd 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 R.I Home with their ski inspired window which perfectly complimented the range of products on sale. Age UK won best charity shop window for their traditional and vintage Christmas display.

Town Mayor Cllr Colin Banks said, “The Christmas windows in the town centre this year were as impressive as ever. You can see how much effort goes into the displays with many business owners spending hours on them themselves. The shops should all be immensely proud of the displays and how they collectively create a very festive shopping experience.”

“It was a tough decision to pick the winners, so all awards were based on how much effort was put in as well as overall design and effect. A big congratulations to each winner and well done to all on their festive windows”

Three people outside Age Uk holding a certificate

A group of people outside R.I Home Knutsford

A group of people outside Tatton Perk Knutsford

29Nov2024

Aiden Byrne to help Knutsford switch on the festive lights!

This weekend, Knutsford welcomes in the festive season with their annual Knutsford Christmas Market and Light Switch On. Aiden Byrne, renowned chef and TV personality who, in 2002, became the youngest chef to earn a restaurant a Michelin star, will join the Mayor of Knutsford and Santa, the May Queen and Crown Bearer, on stage to switch on the towns Christmas lights. Aiden and Sarah Byrne recently opened Knutsford’s newest restaurant Li-ly by Aiden Byrne to rave reviews.

In Canute Place on Saturday 30^th November from 1pm the stage will be set for a day of the best in local live entertainment, school choirs, solo artists and the headline act The Breakfast Club. This year’s lights will be switched on at 6pm and attendees can grab a drink and some of the great food on offer and take their place in front of the main stage.

The market is open 12-7pm Saturday 30^th November and 11-4pm Sunday 1^stDecember. Sponsors for this year’s event are – Speedy Freight, Cygnet, Savills and Bruntwood.

A team from Discover Knutsford will host a stall at the markets across both days where visitors can pick up a map of the town, a programme of events and a Knutsford Festive Gift Guide showcasing what Knutsford has to offer as a Christmas shopping destination. There will also be the opportunity for visitors to the stand to enter a prize draw with the chance to win prizes from local businesses.

Visitors can also keep warm with mulled wine (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) or hot Vimto – on Saturday this raises funds for the Mayor’s Charities, Just Drop In and The Welcome whilst on Sunday it raises funds for the Friends of the Moor, Heath, St John’s Wood and Crosstown Community Orchard!

Driving to Knutsford for the Christmas Market weekend? please make use of the Park and Ride service running from Booths Hall, which is situated about a mile from Knutsford Town Centre and can be found using postcode WA16 8GS.

A shuttle bus will run back and forth throughout the whole weekend dropping you off at Knutsford Bus Station and has ample room for pushchairs, wheelchairs and any Christmas shopping! There is plenty of parking available for your car at Booths Hall.

The Park and Ride is completely FREE, however optional donations will be kindly accepted by Knutsford Rotary, Knutsford Hosts and The Scouts who help us to run the service. Follow the signage to direct you to the Park and Ride car park on the day which is car park C.

The Park and Ride helps to massively reduce the burden on town centre car parks which have limited spaces, and helps flow of traffic into the town for the event, so please consider making use of the shuttle service for a stress free day!

The Park and Ride is kindly supported by Bruntwood who help us to facilitate the service by offering use of Booths Hall.

27Nov2024

Knutsford Town Council Seeks Volunteers for Public Rights of Way Survey

Knutsford Town Council is asking for volunteers to help survey the town’s public rights of way.

Residents who enjoy walking around the area are invited to participate in the survey which will help identify any improvements needed to the town’s rights of way network of footpaths.

Volunteers will be asked to walk specific footpaths, taking photographs and complete a short condition survey. This information will help establish the conditions, general cleanliness, and accessibility of the paths, enabling the Town Council to devise a plan for future improvements in partnership with Cheshire East Council and landowners.

“Knutsford is fortunate to have several public rights of way across the town and out into the wider countryside providing attractive routes for exercise and active travel. This survey will help record their current condition and help us identify any improvements needed to the network” said Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green.

those interested in participating in this initiative are invited to contact Jeanette Hine at jeanette.hine@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or contact the council offices on 01565 653929.

8Nov2024

Another great Knutsford Pumpkin Path

“This is the best night of my life!” one young visitor could be heard exclaiming to his family on Halloween at Knutsford Pumpkin Path.

Knutsford Pumpkin Path 2024 filled King Street with hundreds of families exploring, completing the trail and trick or treating the local businesses. As always, the support from the Knutsford business community was huge! With fabulous fancy dress and sweets being handed out, the town was filled with good spirits and hijinks.

If you visited the trail, you may have had your picture taken with Frankenstein and a Minion or you may have been serenaded by the sounds of the Sanderson Sisters in Wallwood all care of Bunny Business events. Fuchsia Dance School and Knutsford Beats entertained the crowds and Knutsford Hosts ensured all visitors were kept informed at our visitor desks.

Congratulations to our winners of the trail draw and to Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe for winning the window competition.

Alex Molloy Events Manager at Knutsford Town Council says “This is an event for all and the joy on people’s faces is fantastic. Our event goes a long way to reduce trick or treating at people’s homes and creates a fun environment for locals and visitors to enjoy the spirit of Knutsford. The commitment to this event from the local businesses is a true testament to what is great about Knutsford”

Knutsford Town Council works hard to bring brilliant community events to the town and could not do so without the support of our sponsors. Thank you to Linden Stores, Travel Bag and Oil Art Advisory for their sponsorship of this year’s Knutsford Pumpkin Path.

Two volunteers at Knutsford Pumpkin Path

17Oct2024

Discover Knutsford’s best attractions with a new comprehensive website

Discover Knutsford’s best attractions with a new comprehensive website

A new destination website has been launched today to promote Knutsford.

www.discoverknutsford.com has been created by Knutsford Town Council providing a comprehensive guide to the town. It is intended to be a one-stop destination for everything there is to know about Knutsford and offers locals and visitors a detailed and user-friendly platform to explore the Cheshire market town.

The development of the Discover Knutsford place brand and website was funded through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. The website utilises the place brand for Discover Knutsford which was launched earlier this year and rolled out across social media and marketing assets for the town.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said: “‘We are delighted to launch the Discover Knutsford website offering the most complete guide to Knutsford”

“With a jam-packed calendar of events, a town centre that is blessed with many independent shops and a dynamic hospitality scene alongside some wonderful green spaces and interesting heritage, Knutsford is a real destination town to visit. We are excited to have a website that can truly showcase this.”

The website has been designed by local marketing agency Maclaren Jones Design & Marketing and the branding design was completed earlier this year by Bella Design & Marketing. Anita Jones, Managing Director at Maclaren Jones Design & Marketing said: “Working with Knutsford Town Council on their new website has been an absolute pleasure. As a local business that’s been part of the community for over 20 years, even we were amazed to learn new interesting facts about our lovely town throughout the project!

We’re proud to have helped create a platform that not only promotes Knutsford but also highlights its events, local businesses and retailers. It’s a fantastic resource for everyone in the community and beyond.”

The website is now live at www.discoverknutsford.com and is complemented by Discover Knutsford’s growing presence on social media where regular updates and inspiration are shared with the community. Visitors are encouraged to follow @discoverknutsford on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and features.

11Oct2024

Cottons Hotel & Spa now accepts the Knutsford voucher

Cottons Hotel & Spa now accepts the Knutsford voucher

Knutsford’s own high street voucher can now be redeemed at Cotton’s Hotel & Spa along with over forty other Knutsford based businesses.

The Knutsford Voucher was launched in 2020 with the aim to offer a gift voucher exclusively for Knutsford shops that goes directly to local businesses, supporting the town’s economy.

Following a recent refresh of the voucher design, Cottons Hotel & Spa are the latest business to sign up to accept the voucher as a payment method.

Barbara Simms from Cottons Hotel & Spa said: “We are delighted to be a part of the Knutsford voucher scheme. It’s a great way to support local businesses throughout the year, if you have a voucher to spend come down and see us!”

Sandra Curties, Knutsford Town Council’s Town Centre Manager said, “The scheme is a cost-effective way to direct spend to our town’s independent shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants.”

“The vouchers come in denominations of £5, £10 or £20 and come presented in a beautiful gift card making them the perfect gift!” Sandra added.

A full list of business accepting the voucher can be found on the Town Council’s website alongside how to purchase vouchers. A broad selection of businesses accepts the vouchers including Oil Art Advisory, Flock of Arts, Detaljer, Arthur Lee, Hal Whittaker and Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe. Soon you will also be able to purchase them on the council’s tourism focused sister-site – www.discoverknutsford.com

Businesses in Knutsford interested in joining the voucher scheme are encouraged to contact Sandra Curties on 01565 653929. It is important to note only Knutsford based shops, excluding surrounding villages are eligible to join the voucher scheme.

1Oct2024

Knutsford at Home

Knutsford was a mini ‘Ideal Home Exhibition’ on September 21st, with its home and interior design shops hosting its third Knutsford at Home Event. Knutsford at Home was sponsored by Slater and Gordon.

The event was a collaboration between the home and interior shops and businesses in the town centre and coordinated by Knutsford Town Council under their Discover Knutsford brand. It offered shoppers a ‘menu of inspiration’ including talks from artists such as Diane Marsland in Holly Johnson Antiques, an alcohol Ink Art workshop In Havwoods and a gardening talk by RHS Associate of Honour Sam Youd. There were also two ‘Ask the Architect sessions’ – Hive Architects in Arthur Lee and Bianca Morgan in Susie Watson Designs. The full list of shops taking part was, Arthur Lee Interiors, Detaljer, Havwoods, Holly Johnson Antiques, Kendal Quality Carpets, NaturalMat, Oil Art Advisory, Oka, RI Home, Sofas and Stuff, Susie Watson Designs and Terzetto Stone.

Helen Dufton co-owner of Arthur Lee said, “’This was our third Knutsford at Home event, and it was lovely to see our shop buzzing with customers both new and old. We opened our side terrace too so customers could enjoy the September sun. A huge thanks to everyone who popped into see us and our fellow Knutsford businesses.”

Andrea Young of Havwoods, said: ‘12 of our lovely clients attended our In Art workshop hosted by our very talented friend and amazing artist Louise Williamson aka Big Canvas Art. I have to say we were blown away by the unique art work that was created by a group of complete novices. Images of ocean landscapes, flower gardens, abstract and my very own atomic explosion. We also welcomed new customers to the showroom throughout the day. A big thank you to everyone who attended and also to Lyndsey Dyson for helping me host such a successful event.’’

Sandra Curties, Knutsford Town Council’s Town Centre Manager, said, “These events are all about promoting Knutsford as a destination shopping venue and offering a bespoke shopping experience that cannot be replicated online. A huge thanks to those who gave up their time to deliver the workshops. We loved the way our shops worked together and seeing visitors mapping out their day using the flyers was fabulous. We look forward to a better and bigger event next year.”

A group of people sat on sofas inside Oka

Four ladies gathered around a table inside Holly Johnson Antiques

4Sep2024

Picnic in the park- Big birthday bake off – Sunday 22nd September 12- 4

Join us and Knutsford Bake Club in the bake-off tent where you can purchase delicious cakes baked by Knutsford Bake Club (with all proceeds going to the mayor’s charities: The Welcome and Just Drop in).

You can also put your baking skills to the test by baking a birthday cake (or tray bake) to celebrate the 50^th birthday of Knutsford Town Council.

If you would like to enter the competition, please bring your bread, cake or tray bake between 1-2pm. The Mayor of Knutsford will be judging entries at 2:30pm, with the winners taking home a gift voucher. All ages and abilities are welcome.

For more information, please email gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

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