Jonty and Mike standing outside of Card Stall

New card stall opens at Knutsford Market Hall

Knutsford Market Hall stalwarts Jonty Page of Jonty’s Fruit and Veg and Mike Brown of the Market Hall Butcher have joined forces and opened a new card stall in the market hall – M & J Cards.

Both traders saw a need for a purse friendly card shop in Knutsford so decided to open one. They stock a wide collection of cards for every occasion.  Regular customer and former Manchester United player Denis Law popped in and opened the card stall earlier in April.

Mike Brown said “M&J Cards has already received a warm welcome from our existing customers.  We’d just like to let Knutsfordians who don’t visit the market, who need to buy a greeting card, to pop in – we stock a wide variety of cards at extremely low prices.”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are delighted to have a card stall in the market.  We are gradually growing our portfolio of traders in the market hall offering choice, great customer service and value for money”.

Press contact – Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Knutsford Market Hall is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.   Traders are as follows – Style Loft Boutique, It’s a Wood Thing, The Market Butcher, M&J Cards, Jonty’s Fruit & Veg, The Market Café, The Market Hall Barber, Sabrina’s Baby Boutique, Radchester Garden Ornaments, Slipped Discs and Nyx Cat Crystals.

Photo: Mike Brown of Market Hall Butcher, Jonty Page of Jonty’s Fruit and Veg with regular customer and former Manchester United player Denis Law.

Photo Credit      Jackie Siminster of Jonty’s Fruit and Veg

Knutsford Market Hall welcomes a barber!

Knutsford Market Hall has welcomed a new trader last month as The Market Hall Barber opened its doors. Opening in March, the new stall adds a gents’ hairdresser to the Market Hall portfolio.

Pino Tracanna who has been cutting hair for over 30 years offers affordable cuts for £10 and a beard trim for £5. He said “I am excited to be a part of the friendly team at Knutsford Market Hall and offer my services to the market customer”.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre and Manager said, “We are delighted to welcome a new trader to our Market Hall family adding a much-needed service to our repertoire. The market hall is home to a range of stalls offering purse friendly essentials to the shoppers of Knutsford.  We are sure Pino will become well-known and well-loved in Knutsford!”

There are currently two stalls to available to rent in Knutsford Market Hall.  Both offer an ideal platform to launch a fledging business with rent as little as £211.81 including VAT and utility bills.

Press contact – laura.anderson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Stall enquiries- Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Knutsford Market Hall is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.   Traders are as follows – Style Loft Boutique, The Market Butcher, M&J Cards, Jonty’s Fruit & Veg,  The Market Café, Sabrina’s Baby and Toddler Boutique, Slipped Discs, Grandad’s Attic and NX Cat Crystals

Photo: Pino Tracanna

Photo Credit Sabrina Cowley

Silhouette of performers at Knutsford Music Festival

Knutsford Music Festival Tickets on Sale

Knutsford Music Festival is back this year with another jam-packed weekend for music lovers!

The festival is back for its sixth edition this summer from 9th to 11th June 2023 and takes place across a long weekend bringing a varied programme of music to venues across Knutsford. The event is organised by Knutsford Town Council and aims to bring the community together for a weekend of music events on the doorstep. s

The 2023 programme is set to include four fantastic nights of folk music hosted in partnership with close friend to the festival BBC Radio presenter Mark Radcliffe, including an exclusive pre-festival show on Thursday 8th June.

Friday Night Blues also returns to the programme after a sell-out show in 2022, bringing blues acts from around the country to Brook Street Chapel Hall for a night of funky blues music.

A Classical Music Evening will return to the programme featuring a wind sextet and piano support act, also due to be held at Brook Street Chapel Hall on Sunday 11th June.

Music on the Moor will return to the Moor on Saturday 10th June as a free, open to all session celebrating up and coming local talent, with workshops and activities in addition for all ages.

The fringe festival made up of events hosted by local businesses such as bars, cafes and restaurants (plus shops and more!) will also feature as a way to increase engagement with our fantastic business community.

Tickets for the headline festival events are now on sale for £15 for general admission and £10 for those aged 16 and under. Tickets can be purchased in person via the Council Offices on Toft Road, next door to the Library, or via the festival website by visiting www.knutsfordmusicfestival.com

Enquiries regarding this year’s programme can be sent to info@knutsfordmusicfestival.com or call 01565 653 929.

Child with a spade during the tree planting

Half-term heroes help plant trees

The half-term break saw volunteers plant over 30 trees across Knutsford.

Following the success in 2022, ‘Plant a Tree with Ranger Bob’ week ran again this year encouraging residents to become an active part of developing the landscape of the Town. Over the February half-term break, Town Ranger, Bob Garner was joined by volunteers across a range of ages to plant a further 36 trees across 10 sites over the two-day event, as part of the Knutsford Town Council Nature Action Plan

Knutsford Town Council has an ambition to see 13,000 trees planted across the Town as part of its Nature Action Plan and as part of its commitment to reduce the town’s carbon footprint. So far, the Council have planted over 1,500 trees and they are keen to keep that number growing.

Bob Allen, Planning and Facilities Officer, said: “It is excellent to see support from the community and everyone that came out to help should feel proud to have made a positive difference to the biodiversity and green infrastructure within the town. The trees planted will develop to provide food and homes for a wide array of insects and birds and will provide oxygen and capture carbon for years to come.”

The Town Council is now liaising with Cheshire East Council regarding the preparations for its fourth phase of standard (1.5m-2m) tree planting on open spaces and highways across the town.

To find out more about tree planting or the Nature Action Plan you can visit www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/natureactionplan

Two people holding a poster outside a sweet shop

Knutsford Bunny Hop

Knutsford’s favourite Easter event will be hopping back to town in just under a month’s time!

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 8th April 2023 and will be held between 10am-4pm. As well as the main trail, families can enjoy additional entertainment including balloon modelling in Knutsford Market Hall on Silk Mill Street and freebies from local businesses.

The Angel on King Street are hosting a special Easter colouring competition during the event, with an Easter egg hamper up for grabs as first prize and prizes for two runners up! You can also visit The Courthouse Hotel on Toft Road to visit their exciting cupcake decorating station hosted in their restaurant between 12-4pm!

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 10.30am 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!

Alex Brown, Events Officer at Knutsford Town Council, said: “We are so excited already for Knutsford Bunny Hop which will be taking place next month. The Bunny Hop is a lovely Easter event where many of our local businesses get involved in the fun. Bring your Easter bonnets along and don’t forget to pick up your entry form in advance from many town centre businesses or our office! Huge thanks to Neptune Ltd and Slater and Gordon Lawyers for sponsoring the event and making it possible.”

For more information regarding the event, follow the Bunny Hop on social media or head to the town council website. Enquiries can be sent to enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Davina Armitage holding a Knutsford Voucher

Knutsford Voucher needs you!

The Knutsford voucher scheme was launched in November 2020 and has proved extremely popular with over £10,000 worth of vouchers bought since 2020.  The idea behind the scheme is simple – don’t buy an Amazon voucher, buy a gift voucher that can be spent in Knutsford and goes direct to local shop owners and into the town’s local economy.

The voucher is accepted in around 50 Knutsford businesses ranging from toy shops to pubs to butcher and fruit and vegetable shops.  However, the Town Council would love more to join the scheme and are urging the newer businesses to get in touch.

Sandra Curties, Knutsford Town Council’s Town Centre Manager, said, “The voucher scheme is simply run and works alongside the shops’ own schemes.  We do not take commission and pay the shop back in full the value of every voucher collected. It is easy to join but we’d love to see more shops accepting them as it helps showcase the variety of choice in our town”.

A full list of business accepting the voucher can be found on the town council’ website alongside how to purchase vouchers.

If any Knutsford based business is interested in the scheme, they should contact Sandra Curties on 01565 653929.  Please note only Knutsford based shops (not surrounding villages) can take the vouchers.

Vouchers can be purchased on the Town Council website or from the Town Council offices.

Notes

Press enquiries to sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Photo by Sandra Curties of Davina Armitage of Cocaranti

Mark Lee-Kilgariff - Nick Smithers of Tatton Perk

Two New Venues Join Taste Knutsford

Two new venues have been added to the culinary tour of the Town ready for the first tours of 2023. Taste Knutsford is a walking food and drink tour which visits around seven venues sampling from a range of independent venues.

The first tours of the new year take place on the 17th and 18th February with two venues added the line-up that could be on offer.

Tatton Perk are new to the tour and will be showcasing their V60 brew methods and offering two samples of along with tasting notes and three hot chocolate tasters. The Courthouse Cheshire are returning to the Taste Knutsford family adding their brunch to the mix.

The tours begun in 2018 and apart from a break due to Covid have proved popular with visitors and residents alike, with many booking repeat tours.

The current list of venues include –

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

Mark Lee Kilgariff, owner of Tatton Perk said, “Now we have permanent premises, joining Taste Knutsford was a no-brainer for us! The tour champions both our independents and our gorgeous town. We can’t wait to take part in the first tour and introduce people to the Tatton Perk experience”.

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 quests to stay, linger and spend in Knutsford.”

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

Press Contact     Sandra Curties   Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Town Mayor and Ian Cass of the Forum of Private Business

Forum of Private Business on board for the Town Awards

A national business support organisation located just outside Knutsford has once again pledged their support and sponsorship to the Knutsford Town Awards.

The Forum of Private Business, based at the Ashley Hall Showground, has sponsored the Town Awards since their inception in 2013. The Town Awards recognise those who give back to the local community and make Knutsford a better town for all.

Managing Director, and Knutsford resident Ian Cass said “The FPB are relighted to be sponsoring the Knutsford Town Awards again, particularly the business award.

“Knutsford businesses are always very supportive of each other, and I hope lots of them will be nominated for these awards this year.”

Over 50 nominations have been submitted in the Town Awards so far this year with a number of different individuals, community groups and businesses having been put forward by the community. The awards rely on the community to submit their nominations so more nominations are always encouraged.

Nominations for the 2023 Town Awards close on Monday 20th February and can be made online at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/town-awards. The awards will be presented in mid-March.

Caterine from Detaljer and Ian from Slipped Discs holding records

Detaljer and Slipped Discs join forces!

Two local independent businesses are joining forces and introducing “Music Monday’s” to Knutsford.

 

Slipped Discs of Knutsford Market Hall will be having a DJ pop-up at Princess Street’s Detaljer playing records, spanning all music genres, to ease customers into the working week.

 

Caterine Hooper, owner of Detaljer said, “We are delighted to be working with fellow Knutsford independent Slipped Discs.  Ian and his vinyl will be joining us each Monday, from 6th February, to provide some background entertainment for our customers. Ian will be taking requests though and if you want something a little more lively just ask. There will be a small selection of vinyl to buy too. Fika and vinyl a match made in heaven!”

 

The initial plans are to have the DJ pop-up each Monday for 4 weeks to see how people respond, and then it may be held each month. Slipped Discs will be focusing on a different theme of music each week and will be at Detaljer from 11am – 2pm each Monday in February.

 

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “We’ve such a strong band of independent retailers in Knutsford and it is great to see them working together. We hope Detaljer’s customers enjoy the vibe and if it showcases one of our lovely Market Hall traders and encourages people to visit the market then everyone is a winner!”

 

Knutsford Market Hall is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 8am-4pm, with the options to open on additional days with agreement. The market is home to a café, womenswear, a vinyl record shop, a baby and child clothing boutique, garden ornaments, a butcher and fruit and veg stall. A greeting card stall is coming soon.

 

Detaljer is a Swedish café and lifestyle store and is open Monday-Friday 8am – 4pm, Saturday 8.30am to 4.30pm and 9.30am – 4.00pm on Sunday.

 

 

Press contact – Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
Photo    Caterine Hooper of Detaljer and Ian Drinkwater of Slipped Discs

Millennium Bursary Open for Nominations

Second year university students from Knutsford have the opportunity of winning a £575 bursary to support their final year studies through the Knutsford Millennium Bursary.

The Millennium Bursary, which was launched by Knutsford Town Council and Knutsford Lions in 2000, provides an award to support students as they go into their final year of university. It is open to any student who usually resides in Knutsford or Toft.

To apply, students simply need to complete an online application form by Friday 17th February.

Applications can be submitted here:  https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/millennium-bursary/apply

A virtual interview will then be arranged with the Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Houghton and Lydia Kennedy from Knutsford Lions who will decide which student to award the bursary to. Knutsford Lions may also make additional discretionary awards.