Discover Knutsford this Christmas

Discover Knutsford this festive season for shopping, entertainment, and celebration!

The weekend of 30th November and 1st December welcomes the Christmas cheer with Knutsford’s Christmas Markets, two days of the finest artisan market stalls. Join us for great food, drinks, and Christmas spirit. 12-7pm Saturdays 30th November and 11-4pm Sunday 1stDecember.

Also, on Saturday 30th November the stage will be set for a full day of live entertainment featuring choirs from the local primary schools, dancing performances and local singers. The stage will be presented by Silk FM who, with the help of the Mayor of Knutsford and special guests, will switch on our Christmas Lights in Canute Place at 6pm. Headlining the event will be local band The Breakfast Club.

Catch a glimpse of Santa on his sleigh at 5.30pm as he makes his was along King Street, up Minshull Street to Canute Place where he will join the Mayor on stage. The Santa parade will feature music from City of Chester Brass Band and Anna and Elsa!

Children’s Adventure Farm Trust will be raising money for their charity (CAFT) in this year’s grotto which can be found on Silk Mill Street, outside the Market Hall. The grotto will be open Saturday 30th November 12-4pm and Sunday 1st December 11-4pm. No booking necessary.

We are grateful to our brilliant sponsors this year without whom the festive weekend would not be possible. Special thanks to Savills for sponsoring the Christmas Lights switch on, Bruntwood for sponsoring the Christmas Lights, Speedy Freight who sponsor our tree and Cygnet Health for their sponsorship of the Christmas Market.

This year’s Crib Service will take place on Saturday 7th December at 4pm. Join the Mayor’s Community Crib Service where the Mayor’s chaplain will bless the town crib and Christmas carols will be sung supported by the City of Chester Brass Band. The service begins at approximately 4pm.

Remember to pick up your Discover Knutsford Christmas Gift Guide from one of our local businesses or visit the Discover Knutsford team at the Christmas markets to grab up your copy!

For further information please visit www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or www.discoverknutsford.com or send an email to enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Notes

Photo credits – Tessa Carrol

Enquiries – alex.molloy@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Heritage Open Days Knutsford 2024 – Bookings Live!

This September Knutsford will be host to a collection of events as part of Heritage Open Days, international festival of heritage and culture.

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community led festival of history, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.

Events in Knutsford will run across three days from 6th – 8th September and feature walks, talks and book signings about some well-known and not so well-known Knutsford history.  

Planned events include screenings of Knutsford: Tales of War at Curzon, a talk on a brand new Knutsford history book, a tour of the Courthouse and underground cells and even a ghost walk!

Alex Molloy Events Manager at Knutsford Town Council said, “It is so important that we recognise and celebrate the rich and beautiful history of Knutsford.  We are very lucky that so many local faces have come together to share their knowledge for this festival – everyone is going to learn something new!”

All events are free however several require booking to make sure we can accommodate numbers. You can view the schedule of events and book spaces at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/heritageopendays. Due to the nature of some of Knutsford’s historic buildings and open spaces, not all events are accessible so please read the event description fully.

Knutsford shop windows in full bloom for RHS Tatton Flower Show

Knutsford is adorned in flowers to coincide with the RHS Tatton Flower Show as many local businesses have decorated their windows with foliage displays.

Two competitions were held over the 17th and 18th of July. One was organised and judged by the RHS, with a specific criterion for entering and a theme of ‘Raising Awareness’ to interpret. The second, less formal competition was organised by Knutsford Town Council.

Naturalmat was awarded ‘Best Overall Window’ in the RHS competition. Their display, featuring sheep sculptures made from wool and foliage, was all made by the Naturalmat Knutsford team with help from their families. The display is a complete sensory experience with a calming soundtrack of the countryside (a sound recording taken outside the Naturalmat workshop in Devon) as background noise.

The Manager of Naturalmat’s Knutsford store, Faye Ravenscroft said  “As a new store to the town, we have enjoyed being able to join in with other local business to take part in this competition. We, like everyone else who took part, have worked very hard to bring this together and are extremely proud to have won. Our awareness theme was ‘sustainability’ to reflect our company core values and demonstrate our materials in a fun and interesting way.”

“The local support has been fantastic! we have enjoyed all the fun new interactions with locals and visitors who have come to see our display and will look forward to more in the future.” 

Morgan Edwards was awarded ‘Best Floral Inspired Window’ in the RHS competition. This is the second year in a row that they have gained an award in this competition with an impressive floral display. The theme for their installation is  ‘Shop Local’ with the logos of Knutsford shops hanging from the display.

Winners for the Town Council’s floral walk were chosen after careful consideration from Knutsford Deputy Town Mayor, Cllr James McCulloch and Sam Youd, former head gardener of Tatton Park.

First place went to Detaljer for their beautiful display that aimed to raise awareness on mental health. Second place went to Gareth West for their abundant floral façade and third place went to Morgan Edwards.

A joint award went to Dafferns and Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe for ‘Best Small Window.’ Their displays cleverly used their space and reflected the identify of their shops.  And ‘Best Charity Shop Window’ went to the Age UK shop.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said: “Knutsford is looking beautiful just now thanks to the great efforts our local businesses have gone to with these displays.

“Touring the shop windows is a magical experience and I would highly recommend taking them in if you haven’t already’

Cllr James McCulloch, Deputy Mayor of Knutsford, said: “A huge congratulations to everybody involved in the Best Dressed Window Competition this year! The effort the businesses have put in is evident and the displays have brought a lot of fun to the town centre’

Sam Youd added “The quality of the displays have really shone through as they have all held up well despite the hot weather. Well done to all involved ”


 



Space Chickens to visit Knutsford Park

An open-air show of Space Chickens is headed to Knutsford this September as part of the Picnic in the Park event.

Earth’s unlikely hero: an adventurous chicken who is blasted into space to solve all our planet’s problems. Sounds ridiculous? Not for our heroic hen who will boldly go where no poultry has gone before…With stunning puppetry and original banjo synth music follow this rocket-fuelled tale all on top of a van. The show promises an intergalactic adventure from the henhouse to the milky way!

The Puppet Van has been confirmed for Picnic in the Park a new event from Knutsford Town Council that takes place on Sunday 22nd September on St Helena’s Field (Longridge, adjacent to Adeleide Heath Academy). Picnic in the Park is a day of theatre, music and community.

Also joining us will be the brilliant Steel Drum Band, keeping everyone entertained in between performances and whilst they enjoy the other amazing activities on offer such as a Literary Tent, hosted by local author Kirsty Duncan.

A community picnic area will be set up in front of the stage and residents are encouraged to gather their friends, family, a blanket and chairs and enjoy a FREE fun day out for all the family!

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Colin Banks will be making a visit to the Bake Off Tent to judge the best birthday cake creation. Keep an eye on social media for full details of how to enter the cake baking competition to mark 50 years of Knutsford Town Council.

Knutsford Town Council will be working with the community to build a Bug Hotel and they will need everyone’s help to create a 5-star luxury experience for the visiting insects so be sure to drop by and give us a hand with the construction!

More and more activities are being confirmed with our brilliant local businesses and community groups. For updates follow Knutsford Town Council social media pages or email enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Knutsford Christmas Market Invites Local Traders to Apply

The countdown is on for Knutsford Christmas Market which returns on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December! The popular market event is a two-day street market and local traders are now invited to apply.

The market features around 140 traders per day, selling an array of artisan handmade food and drink products, art, crafts, Christmas decorations and lots of gift offerings for your loved ones.

Alex Molloy Events Manager says “Every year the market gets better and better, and we’ve had potential traders contacting us to be involved since the start of the year!”

Any traders wishing to showcase as part of the event must submit an application setting out what is on offer and including photos to help assess the quality of your offer. Local traders will be prioritised.

If you are a local business or independent trader who is interested in trading at the market, you can now apply for a space to trade on either day of the event or for the whole weekend.

Stalls cost £80 per day which includes a gazebo space, table to use for your pitch and festive festoon lighting, as well as full site management. There is a separate pricing structure for instant consumables (hot food) traders, with all information available on the Town Council website.

Those who are interested in applying can head to the Town Council website for full details regarding what it’s like to trade at the event and to complete the application form.

The first deadline for applications is Friday 16th August, after which point most stalls will be filled. Traders can still apply to trade after this date, though they should note that spaces will be more limited.

A trader from the 2023 event said “It was an absolute pleasure to be in Knutsford and trade with you. Sadly, I only booked to trade with you on the Saturday, but lesson learnt, book both days in the future! The customers, vibe, set up to say the least was just an absolute joy to be around!”

To complete the application form, follow the link on the homepage of www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

For any enquiries relating to trading at the market, please email christmas@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929.

Another great year for Knutsford Music Festival!

Knutsford’s own music festival hit the town in June for 4 days of music for the 7th year!

The festival, which was launched back in 2017 by Knutsford Town Council, returned between 13th – 16th June with a varied programme to please a variety of musical tastes. Many of the events were free of charge and hosted in the cafes and bars in the town centre.

A fantastic folk programme ran for its sixth year, hosted by BBC Radio’s Mark Radcliffe, who once again curated an outstanding programme of folk artists from the UK and beyond to entertain hundreds of attendees in St John’s Church and Knutsford Little Theatre.

Saturday Night Blues was back for a second sell out event, after the event also sold out in 2022. Blues artists from near and far, including two UK Blues Award winners, performed at the stunning Knutsford Little Theatre to a captive audience.

Music on the Moor was back on Saturday 15th June, the festival’s free event on the Moor which brings four hours of live music and activities for all ages. The event featured eight local artists and bands who performed a variety of original material, as well as performance workshops from Noodle Performance Arts and craft activities from Love to Craft Mcr. Despite the weather the crowds were in great spirits. More music hit the Moor on Sunday too, with free performances from City of Chester Brass Band.

Fringe events including an electronic night at Detaljer, the Music Train from Chester to Knutsford which arrived at The Angel at King Street, as well as programmes of music all weekend inside the Lost and Found, The Builders Arms and Evuna ran alongside the main programme, filling the town with music for 4 days.

As part of this year’s festival there was also the opportunity to engage in some Art themed events including workshops from CNC Cheshire, Olivia Goodwin Art and the sell out alcohol ink workshop from Steph Clare Art. The new Oil Art Advosry Gallery in town hosted works by the renowned photographer Scarlet Page, featuring iconic musicians.

Alex Molloy, Events Manager at the Town Council, said: “A huge thanks to everyone who got involved and supported this year’s events especially to the ticket buyers and attendees of Music on The Moor, the weather was against us, but the crowd were in great spirits! Thanks also goes to our sponsors this year Knutsford Hearing Cnetre, Ibiza Classics, Slater and Gordon and QV Skin care without which we would not have been able to produce the event! Here’s to 2025!”

The Town Council welcomes any feedback or suggestions for how the event can be improved for 2025. Simply email alex.molloy@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

To find out more about the other events organised by the town council, check out their events calendar on their website now: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/events-calendar

Knutsford Town Council and The Royal Cheshire County Show

Knutsford Town Council partners with The Royal Cheshire County Show to boost tourism

Knutsford Town Council is excited to announce a new partnership with the prestigious Royal Cheshire County Show, with the aim of promoting Knutsford as a premier destination under the newly launched Discover Knutsford brand. This contra-deal is designed to enhance the visibility of Knutsford and attract a wide audience of visitors to explore the town’s unique offerings.

The agreement will see The Royal Cheshire Show promoting Discover Knutsford on their platforms. In return, Knutsford Town Council will promote the Cheshire Show to enhance the event’s reach and impact in the local community. This collaborative effort aims to highlight Knutsford’s charm, history, and attractions to the thousands of attendees at the Cheshire Show.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Cheshire Show,” said Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council.

“This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of Knutsford to a diverse audience. With the new Discover Knutsford brand, we aim to highlight our town’s rich heritage, vibrant community, and unique experiences, and this is an excellent platform to help us achieve this.”

The Discover Knutsford brand was launched on social media earlier this month to encapsulate the essence of the town, offering visitors insights into its historical landmarks, picturesque settings, and a variety of events and activities. A website will follow later this year.

Rob Davenport the show Director said “The Cheshire Agricultural Society is thrilled to appoint Knutsford Town Council as Principal Partner of The Royal Cheshire County Show.”

“The new partnership will enable us to forge closer links with our local community and to provide mutually beneficial promotional opportunities for both parties. Visitors to the Show come from all over the UK and we look forward to encouraging them to explore the wonderful town of Knutsford as part of their visit, playing our part in boosting the local economy and raising the profile of the of the beautiful area in which the Show is based.”

For more information on The Royal Cheshire County Show visit their website www.royalcheshireshow.org and for more information on Knutsford follow Discover Knutsford on Instagram @discoverknutsford and Facebook Discover Knutsford.

Flash Fashion Photo Credit John Horsely

Flash Fashion highlights Knutsford as a destination shopping town

ITV presenter Katy Rickitt hosted the third Flash Fashion Knutsford catwalk show on Saturday 18th May. Once again, the fashion show attracted a remarkable turnout, with The Lost & Found packed with spectators both inside and out. Organised by Knutsford Town Council, this event had the town centre a buzz with shoppers.

Spectators queued up to get a glimpse of the outfits showcased at the event, reflecting the enthusiasm surrounding this fashionable affair. The vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by the diverse collection of boutiques featured, cementing Knutsford’s reputation as a destination for shopping.

After the show attendees visited the shops and appreciated the dynamic retail scene that Knutsford has to offer. With shops covering multiple fashion categories, the event highlighted what a broad spectrum of fashion retail there is available in Knutsford.

An example of the unique shopping experience you can encounter in Knutsford comes from Redress who holds regular ‘Swap Shop’ pop ups at Dexter and Jones.

Owner of Redress Fiona Jackson-Gray said “Flash Fashion has become an unmissable event of Knutsford and Redress is so honoured to be a part of it.  We had a fantastic day at the fashion show and later in Dexter and Jones for our Swap Shop event.”

“To be able to be invited to walk alongside the boutiques of Knutsford with our preloved brand and for people to not only accept but absolutely relish in its unique qualities is an exciting concept and we hope to be a key part of the event for many years to come.  Thank you to the whole team for putting together a true fashion extravaganza and to everyone that came along to support our local independents.”

Sally Feeke from local designer footwear boutique said “We’ve been involved in every Flash Fashion event since 2019. 

“It is a great day and both the town and our shop had a real buzz meeting customers old and new. We love the event and we’ve benefited hugely from it so thank you to everyone involved.” 

Clare & Illingworth showcased their designer sunglasses, highlighting the premium brands that Knutsford has on offer. Richard Clare said. “Participating in the Flash Fashion event was a fantastic experience for Clare & Illingworth Opticians. The show brilliantly highlighted the amazing independent shops in Knutsford and we had the opportunity to meet many new people plus remind everyone that you can find luxury sunglasses right here locally, without the need to travel.”

For more information about Knutsford’s upcoming events and shopping opportunities follow the Discover Knutsford socials: Instagram @discoverknutsford, Facebook Discover Knutsford.

Knutsford Music Festival Tickets Now on Sale!

Tickets have been released for Knutsford Music Festival 2024, which returns this June. Bringing a wealth of talent to our historic town and putting Knutsford on the music map!

This year’s festival is expanding with a focus upon the synchronicity between music and art and will feature a diverse line up of events for music and art lovers alike.

As always, the folk element of this 4-day event is specially curated by BBC Radio host Mark Ratcliffe, who brings another fantastic line up featuring acclaimed British Singer-Songwriter Thea Gilmore.

On June 13th Knutsford Little Theatre play host to winner of the 2023 Christian Rapheal Prize Frankie Archer. Frankie has featured on ‘Later…. With Jools Holland and been championed by tastemakers at BBC Radio 2 and 6Music.  Frankie has exploded onto the electrofolk scene with music that transcends stereotypes using a combination of samples, synths, and earthy Northumbrian fiddle to capture her audience.

This double headlined event also includes Virginia Kettles Rolling Folk. Virginia Kettle is at the heart of the creative force within Merry Hell. As a prolific writer of songs, Rolling Folk gives Virginia the chance to share a variety of songs not included in the Merry Hell repertoire. Offering the same level of song writing excellence as Merry Hell, but a different, more intimate feel, as well as some additional musical explorations. This night is not to be missed!

Friday 14th is the turn of St John’s Church who will showcase the remarkable talents of Thea Gilmore. Admired by cultural icons such as Bruce Springsteen and Billy Bragg, Thea has made 20 albums since the release of her first album Burning Dorothy in 1998 and earned a reputation as one of the most distinctive singer songwriters of her generation.

UK Blues Award Finalist Alice Armstrong headlines on Saturday Night Blues, on 15th June, combining her incredible voice and stage presence with multi award-winning keyboard player Stevie Watts. Together as a duo they are an explosive cocktail and will perform some original material along with a variety of covers from all genres.

Transatlantic folk band, The Magpies close the festival on Sunday 16th June. The Magpies are quickly becoming one of the most exciting and innovative acts on the contemporary roots scene. Combining sublime harmonies with exquisite musicianship and impressive songwriting.

For tickets and full listings, including information of support acts and ‘Music on the Moor’, please visit the festival website at www.knutsfordmusicfestival.com or email info@knutsfordmusicfestival.com

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

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