Community News | Knutsford Town Council

13May2025

Local Groups Benefit from Community Grant Scheme

As part of the Knutsford Town Council Community Grant Scheme, we have awarded over £3,000 in grants to four local organisations that are actively supporting Knutsford by offering services to the community.

The first recipients of community grants in 2025 are the Knutsford Community First Responder Trust, Knutsford Scouts, Friends of St John’s Wood and Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper.

Knutsford Community First Responder Trust are a team of volunteers who run four local initiatives including teaching emergency life support skills and cardiac screening for young adults. This year they have been awarded £1,500 to fund new publicly accessible defibrillators, medical devices designed to restore the heartbeat in individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.

Peter Thompson, Chairman & CFR Lead shared “We at Knutsford Community First Responder Trust are delighted to continue our Partnership with the Town Council. Their continued support with this grant for replacement AEDs will contribute to keeping the people of Knutsford safe.”

The Knutsford Scouts are part of the UK’s biggest mixed youth organisation and help prepare young people with skills for life. The council is providing them with a new marquee worth £690 to use for events and activity.

Roger Turner, Scout Active Support Manager commented “Knutsford Scouts are delighted and grateful to be awarded a grant from the Knutsford Town Council’s Community Access Fund for a new marquee. The marquee will be an invaluable shared resource for all the Scout Groups in the Knutsford area and will be utilised extensively as a base for activities at Scout Camps and outdoor events as well as supporting local community events such as the Music Festival, all for the benefit of the young people of Knutsford.”

Friends of St John’s Wood have received £626 towards the provision of new information signs. The charity, which was established in 2020, works to improve the woodland and adjacent site of St. Helena’s Church.

The final grant of this round went to Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper, a self-funding weekly publication which supports individuals who are visually impaired. The charity has been awarded £350 towards the costs of redecorating their studio to provide a nicer environment for their volunteers to work in.

Chairman Margaret Hacking said, “On behalf of everyone at the Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper I would like to express our sincere thanks for the grant Knutsford Town Council provided, that has helped us give our studio a much-needed makeover.”

The Town Council’s small grants scheme aims to fund organisations and projects that provide improved services or opportunities that serve the local community. Community groups, registered charities and CICs can apply for up to £1,500 under the small grants scheme with the next deadline closing on 31^st August. To find out more visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants

If you would like to learn more about the work of our recipients, please visit:

Knutsford Community First Responder Trust: https://www.kcfrt.org.uk/

The Knutsford Scouts: https://www.akdistrictscouts.org.uk/

Friends of St John’s Wood: https://www.fosjw.org.uk/

Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper: Facebook Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper

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

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.

23Apr2024

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 13^th 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 14^th 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 15^th 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 16^th 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

18Apr2023

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

6Apr2023

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

27Mar2023

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 9^th to 11^th 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 8^th 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 11^th June.

Music on the Moor will return to the Moor on Saturday 10^th 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.

27Mar2023

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

20Mar2023

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 8^th 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.

20Mar2023

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

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