Alfresco Dining Knutsford

Alfresco Dining

Alfresco dining will take place in Knutsford on four summer Sundays in July and August this year.

Minshull Street will close on 9th June and 11th August from 9.30am to 10.30pm, and on Sunday 28th July and 18th August a section of King Street will do the same. This will allow restaurants, bars, and cafes to place tables and chairs outside for outdoor dining.

Knutsford Town Council has collaborated with town centre restaurants and cafes to organise the road closures and allow for large scale outdoor dining days throughout the summer. Core Highways 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 took place in September 2021 as part of the Town Council’s work supporting local business during post lockdown recovery. The event returned in 2022 and 2023 with less success due to poor weather.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are pleased to be working with our hospitality venues on this event. Last year was a disappointment due to the weather and after reviewing the event with those involved, it was agreed to move them to a Sunday. This gives the venues more time to welcome dog walkers and Sunday shoppers as well as more time for the rain to stop!”

The Minshull Street and Princess Street closure and covers the following:

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

The King Street, road closure takes place on and covers the following areas:

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

The following venues will be providing alfresco dining or drinking tables from 9.30am to 10.30pm –

Princess & Minshull Street (9th June and 11th August)

  • Café on the Corner
  • Lost & Found
  • April’s Kitchen
  • Linden Stores
  • The Angel

King Street (28th July and 18th August)

  • Morgan Edwards
  • Gusto
  • Smokehouse and Cellar
  • King Street Kitchen
  • Wine and Wallop

Sandra continues “These 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. August 11th also coincides with FamilyFest, so this is definitely a date for the diaries”.

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 the following social media platforms; Discover Knutsford, Knutsford Town Council, and the participating venues.

L to R – Charlotte Jones and Tessa Blakemore (Bella Design & Marketing), Cllr Gus Watson, Cllr Peter Coan and Cllr Su Russell (Knutsford Town Council), Tobias Tew (Bella Design & Marketing), Cllr Bryan Hartley and Sandra Curties (Knutsford Town Council)

Explore Knutsford’s hidden gems with Discover Knutsford

A new place brand to promote Knutsford has been launched by Knutsford Town Council.

Discover Knutsford has been developed with funding from UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and aims to elevate Knutsford’s profile on a regional and national scale.

Designed by the team at Knutsford’s own Bella Design and Marketing the Discover Knutsford brand captures the essence of the charming market town. With a focus on exploration the brand invites individuals to uncover the hidden gems and heritage that makes Knutsford a special destination.

Tessa Blakemore, Account Director at Bella Design and Marketing said “Our creative studio really enjoyed working with the team at Knutsford Town Council to create the new brand identity for Discover Knutsford. Our designers produced a contemporary, stylish brand which takes inspiration from the traditional architectural features and colour palette of the environment. It was important to respect the heritage whilst positioning Knutsford as a forward-thinking, multi-faceted place to visit. The emblem of the archway invites visitors to look beyond the obvious and discover everything our vibrant town has to offer.”

Discover Knutsford has been launched on social media to provide information on upcoming events and offering insights into everything Knutsford has to offer. It aims to be a resource for both residents and tourists, helping all to discover more of what Knutsford has to offer.

The UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund is also funding the development of a Discover Knutsford website and the creation of video and photography content to help market Knutsford and support the local economy. 

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said “Ultimately the aim of Discover Knutsford is to increase awareness and encourage visitors to Knutsford. This will help Knutsford businesses and visitor attractions thrive and ensure we continue to have a vibrant and diverse town.”

“We are excited to use Discover Knutsford as a platform to showcase the unique charm of our town and put Knutsford on the map.”

For more details follow Discover Knutsford on Instagram @discoverknutsford and Facebook: Discover Knutsford. The website www.discoverknutsford.com will launch later this year.

Knutsford Music Festival

Knutsford Music Festival – Music on the Moor and fringe announced!

Knutsford Music Festival returns with a bang next month with an exciting line up set to take the stage from 13th-16th June. Once again, festival organiser Knutsford Town Council has worked alongside BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe to arrange a brilliant programme of folk music alongside blues and many free offerings throughout the town.

The free open-air Music on the Moor returns on Saturday 15th June from 12pm–4pm featuring live music and activities for all ages. Local bands Healey Badger and Instant Vintage will return to stage alongside some new faces to the festival such as Jack Woodward, Ambiere, Chloey Rose and Hangman’s Howl. This event will also showcase the talents of upcoming youngsters Elise Higham and Perine Duchesnes. On the day there will also be a creative craft table run by Love to Craft Mcr, where you can be inspired by the rhythm of the music to create your own masterpiece! Alternatively, why not join the stars of Noodle Performing Arts and have a go at a taking part in a performance workshop? If you need a pick me up after all the action, we have Knutsford Scouts running a BBQ and a Knutsford Beer Festival pop-up!

As if that’s not enough to get excited about Knutsford Music Festival also has some fantastic fringe events popping up in establishments across the town, with everything from electronic beats to community choirs, there will be a gig to suit every musical taste.

The fringe events include:

Thursday 13th June

Protest, Pattern and Party – 6pm onwards at Wine and Wallop

Cocktails & Canvas ‘Monkey Music’ – 7.30pm – 9,30pm at Lost and Found

The Photography of Scarlet Page – 13th-23rd June at Oil Art Advisory

Friday 14th June

DJ Nige – 8pm onwards at Wine & Wallop

Feel Good Classics – 6pm – 8pm at Lost and Found

Ai Over the Top – 9pm – 11pm at Lost and Found

Saturday 15th June

The Select Committee – 3pm at The Builders Arms

Soulful Minds Music – 6pm at The Builders Arms

Live Electronic Music and Art Exhibition – 6pm onwards at Detaljer (limited space. Booking required)

DJ Night – 12pm onwards at Lost and Found

Knutsford Beats – 11.30am – 12.30pm on Regent Street

Sunday 16th June

Northwestern – 2pm at The Builders Arms

Marc Gallagher Ukelele Man  –  4pm at The Builders Arms

Chilled Spanish Sunday  – 2pm-4pm onwards at Evuna

An Afternoon of Emotive and Evocative Vocals – 2pm – 4pm at Detaljer

DJs Brad & Millie – 12pm -5pm at Lost & Found

Star Choir – 11.30am -12.30pm on Regent Street

“Music on The Moor is always such a fun filled community day. A relaxed, inclusive event, celebrating local talent and bringing people together. Its fabulous that this year we will have the addition of a BBQ from the local Scouts and the brilliant Knutsford Beer Festival joining us.” Alex Molloy, Events Manager, Knutsford Town Council.

For more information, pick up one of our gig guides from the library, council offices or at the venues around town. Alternatively, you can head over to our website to find out more and book tickets: www.knutsfordmusicfestival.com .

Knutsford Music Festival
Knutsford Music Festival

Flash Fashion 2024

Flash Fashion Knutsford is set to return this year on the 18th May, providing the perfect opportunity for shoppers to get inspired and refresh their wardrobes for summer.

The day-long event started in 2019 as a collaboration between Knutsford Town Council and local boutiques to highlight the wonderful collection of independent fashion retailers in Knutsford.

The day will kick off at 11am in Lost and Found with a fashion show featuring the latest looks from local boutiques, compered by Katy Rickitt of Dexter and Jones. Attendees then peruse the shops and enjoy a variety of complimentary services in store including on-hand stylists, beauty treatments, a glass of fizz and goody bags.

Participating stores include

  • Kanoa Living
  • Cocaranti
  • Redress at Dexter and Jones
  • Blossom Boutique
  • Paris Ladies Boutique
  • Bare Necessities
  • Willow Boutiques
  • Smook Styling
  • Chalk 33
  • Milania Boutique
  • Roberta Beauty Redefined
  • Zapatos
  • Milania Boutique
  • Second Hand Styling
  • Clare and Illingworth
  • L ’Atelier London
  • Smook Styling at Gusto
  • Lanigan and Hulme

Sean Spooner, General Manager, of The Lost and Found, said, “We are delighted to host the catwalk show again. We love being able to support our wonderful independent fashion boutiques. It is great fun and there is such a lovely buzz during the show. We also offer 20% of our brunch menu for all the fashionistas on the day too!”

Davina Armitage from Cocaranti said “We are so excited to be involved in Flash Fashion Knutsford again this year. The shop always has a lovely vibe with customers enjoying an extra special shopping experience from all the fashion indies in town. And we can’t wait to show everyone our Spring Summer collections” .

New for this year is a talk by Laura Davies of Smook Styling which will focus on 5 steps to Unforgettable Style which is kindly hosted by Gusto Restaurants.

Maps will be available from shops and eateries around Knutsford shortly to allow shoppers to plan their day. There will also be free parking for the day at Silk Mill Street, King Street and Princess Street car parks from 10am.

New greengrocers at Knutsford Market standing by the fruit and veg

Knutsford Market Hall welcomes a new greengrocer

Peter and Gaynor Riley of Heathfield Nursery have opened a greengrocer stall in Knutsford Market Hall offering fresh vegetables and fruit alongside bedding plants and seasonal cut flowers.

Gaynor Riley said,  “We are delighted to be joining the Knutsford Market Hall family. 2024 marks both the market’s 60th anniversary and the exciting redevelopment plans. Many people will already know us from our Heathfield Nursery in Plumley. We can’t wait to be in the heart of the town offering both homegrown and locally sourced fruit and vegetables alongside our range of bedding plants and cut flowers. We look forward to welcoming both new and old customers”.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are delighted to have Peter and Gaynor on board.  A greengrocer is an essential part of our market hall offering and we know our customers will give them both a warm welcome. They will be offering a wide range of fruit and vegetables with much of it homegrown which is fantastic.  A true shop local experience!”

Knutsford Market Hall is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.   Permanent traders are as follows –The Market Butcher,  The Market Café, The Market Hall Barber, Slipped Discs and Nyx Cat Crystals. There is also one pop-up stall – Knutsford Sports Exchange. Due to the pending refurbishment, the market is currently only looking for short term pop-ups.  If interested, please email hello@knutsfordmarket.co.uk with details of your stall.

Two greengrocers stood by a bedding plant stall
An open grass field with trees in the background

Knutsford Wellness Week 2024

This January, Knutsford will experience its first Wellness Week. Organised by Knutsford Town Council, this weeklong event will showcase a range of talks, presentations and taster sessions focussing on physical and mental health. The pop ups, from a broad variety of Knutsford based health and wellbeing businesses, will take place across different venues in Knutsford town centre starting on Saturday 20th January and running until Saturday 27th January.

The activities will start off at Lost and Found with informative pop-ups from Helen Jones Nutritional Therapist, Jem Gunn Body Image Therapy, Sian Winslade Coaching, Reflexology Manchester and Just Drop in. As sponsors of the event, Slater & Gordon Knutsford Family Law will also be there to talk about the services they offer.

Georgina Chase who runs the Slater & Gordon Knutsford Family Law office at 10 Church View said “Slater & Gordon are proud to be sponsoring the Knutsford health and wellness week, raising awareness of how important wellbeing is to people in the community”.

Throughout the week there will be opportunities to book onto sessions such as fitness, yoga, podiatry, life coaching, hearing checks and counselling to allow Knutsford residents to try out new services related to their wellbeing. Many of the taster sessions will be complimentary or discounted.

Roberta Dyer from Roberta Beauty Redefined said “January is the perfect time to evaluate your health and wellbeing.”

“We are excited to be part of the wellness week showcasing taster treatments that help health and skin concerns.”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said “We are delighted to facilitate this week long event to shine a light on the health and wellbeing services available in Knutsford.”

“As many of the taster sessions are complimentary or discounted, this collaboration will allow residents the opportunity to easily try new techniques or support services to improve their wellbeing.”

“Booking is essential for some events; this can be done directly with the host. A full programme, including all booking details, will be available to pick up from town centre businesses from early January.”

Businesses involved include:

  • Helen Jones Nutritional Therapist
  • Jem Gunn Body Image Therapy
  • Sian Winslade Coaching
  • Reflexology Manchester
  • Just Drop In
  • Yogi with Sho
  • Nxtep Gym
  • Saks Hairdressing
  • Knutsford Iyengar Yoga Centre
  • NaturalMat
  • Roberta Beauty Redefined
  • Outside the Box Therapies
  • Nancy Camp
  • Carrot Banana Peach
  • The Wellness Web
  • Carmichael Clinic
  • Healthwatch
  • The Mum Club Knutsford
  • Lotus Blossom Gift Co
  • Knutsford Hearing Centre
  • Stable Minds
The crib near Lost and Found at Christmas

Community invited to Crib Service

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Peter Coan is inviting Knutsford families to join him outside the Lost and Found on Saturday,9th December, for the annual community crib service. The service, which is led by Mayor’s Chaplain Revd Paul Deakin, starts at 4pm and includes a festive Christmas message from the mayor who has chosen some of his favourite carols for the event. The carols will be led by the Chester Brass Band and St Vincents Primary School Choir.

Peter said: “I’m looking forward to attending the Community Crib Service, this is event is for all: young and old, and I hope you can join me as we get into the festive spirit.”

Complimentary mulled wine and mince pies will be served by the Knutsford Catenians.

A group of people outside

Festive Sunday arrives in Knutsford this Christmas!

Shoppers are urged to put December 10th in their diaries as Knutsford shops and businesses host their first Festive Sunday for the Christmas period.

The day is jam packed with seasonal activities to suit every age group including:-

  • Chester Brass Band
  • Elf on the Shelf
  • Knutsford Little Theatre’s Red Riding Pantomime cast
  • Christmas Carols from Knutsford Beats
  • Christmas Bake Off with The Tea Room
  • Knutsford Royal May Day Grotto at Knutsford Methodist Church

These attractions sit alongside the wonderful gifts available from Knutsford’s unique shops. Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager for Knutsford Town Council said, “Knutsford is well known for its Christmas Markets, but this year we wanted to showcase our existing shops too.  Festive Sunday is all about discovering what is, for Knutsfordians, on their doorstep and for those further away it is about having an independent not an Amazon Christmas! ”.

Most shops are staying open on the day with many offering mulled wine, mince pies and other seasonal treats. Hattie Cufflin from Hot Cocoa, said, “We are looking forward to Knutsford’s first Festive Sunday and we’ve lots of chocolatey treats planned. Hot mince pies, ice cream, homemade sweet and savoury treats are on offer plus if you spend £30 you get a 10% discount on the day. Please support Knutsford’s indie shops this Christmas”.

Sandra Curties, continued, “The shops have worked extremely hard and have put together a great day with mulled wine, wine tasting, discounts, festive treats, plus live music on the menu. There will also be a raffle when you purchase in selected shops to win prizes from Lanigan and Hulme and a Christmas Eve box courtesy of Knutsford Stationery and Art Shop and Scene in Knutsford, plus some other great prizes. It has been a difficult trading year for some our much-loved independents so let’s give them our support this festive season”.

The day has been made possible by the kind sponsorship of Knutsford Admin.  Helen Rogers, Director said, “The team at Knutsford Admin Limited have chosen to sponsor the festive shopping event as they are huge fans of the many shops and eateries in town. Not all the team live in Knutsford, but they all feel part of the community and enjoy knowing many of the retailers and hospitality venues owners and teams by name”.

Rebecca Mallon, Director of Knutsford Admin added “We really enjoy our town centre location, particularly in the run up to Christmas when the streets & shop fronts look so pretty and there’s a real festive feel”.

For Festive Sunday, King Street will be closed from 9am to 6pm from the junction with Church Walk to the junction of Dury Lane.  Church Hill will remain open and there will be traffic measures in place to allow cars to access King Street car park.  The parking bays on King Street from Tatton Street to Drury Lane will be suspended to enable two-way traffic enabling access to properties of Drury Lane throughout the event.  Access to King Street carpark will be via Church Hill and Church Walk. 

Those interested in attending Festive Sunday should keep an eye on Knutsford Town Council’s social media pages, and via leaflets and posters coming to the town centre soon.

band walking in a parade

Remembrance Sunday

Knutsford Town Council and the Knutsford Branch of the Royal British Legion invite the community to join the services of remembrance on Sunday 12th November.

The programme for the day is as follows:

0845       Parade assembles at King St Car Park, WA16 6DX

0900       Parade from King St Car Park to St John’s Church

0930     Remembrance Service at St John’s Church

1030       Procession to Centennial War Memorial

1045     Remembrance service and wreath laying at Centennial War Memorial, WA16 0PG

1100     Two minute silence

1145       Remembrance service and wreath laying at the Crosstown War Memorial, Junction of Mobberley Road and Thorneyholme Drive, WA16 8WS

1300     Tatton Park Parachute Regiment Memorial

1300       Refreshments at Council Offices, WA16 6TA

This year the parade departs from King Street car park and parades to St John’s Church. The parade will not reassemble and instead the congregation will be led from the church to the Centennial War Memorial for the main service.

The whole community is welcome to join any or all parts of the day. The principal wreath laying will take place at the Centennial War Memorial and organisations wishing to lay a wreath are requested to advise Gemma Jackson, Civic Events Officer, in advance by emailing gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Lady modelling a dress and jacket

Flash Fashion Knutsford

Flash Fashion Knutsford is set to return for the Autumn Winter season on Saturday 4th November, providing the perfect opportunity for shoppers to refresh their winter wardrobe and get inspired for Christmas.

The day-long event started in 2019 as a collaboration between Knutsford Town Council and local boutiques to highlight the wonderful collection of fashion retailers in Knutsford.

The day will kick off at Lost and Found at 11am with a fashion show highlighting the latest looks from local boutiques. The show will be presented by Katy Rickett (Dexter & Jones) and feature Darren Proctor (Happy Radio). Attendees can then peruse the shops and enjoy a variety of complimentary services instore including on-hand stylists, beauty treatments, a glass of fizz and goody bags.

Participating stores and businesses include:

  • The Edit Boutique
  • Cocaranti
  • Redress at Dexter and Jones
  • Blossom Boutique
  • Paris Ladies Boutique
  • Glamorous of Knutsford
  • Willow Boutiques
  • Lanigan and Hulme
  • Pulse of Perfumery
  • Smook Styling
  • Chalk 33
  • Milania Boutique
  • Roberta Beauty Redefined
  • Kanoa Living
  • Cancer Research
  • Zapatos
  • Second hand Styling
  • Clare and Illingworth

Roberta from Roberta Beauty Redefined said “We are so excited to be involved in the Autumn Winter edition of Flash Fashion Knutsford. The Fashion Show in May was such a wonderful collaboration between local businesses and the town centre had a lovely vibe. I loved holding pop ups in Willow and Cocaranti and I can’t wait to do it again.”

Maps will be available from shops and eateries around Knutsford shortly to allow shoppers to plan their day.

Flash Fashion is kindly sponsored by Redrow and Happy Radio.

lady modelling a bag and dress
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