Community News | Knutsford Town Council

7Nov2025

Pumpkin Path thrills families!

Knutsford Town Centre was filled with Halloween spirit last weekend as the much-loved Knutsford Pumpkin Path returned, attracting hundreds of families on Friday 31st October.

Organised by Knutsford Town Council, the event featured a pumpkin trail through the town centre, live performances from Knutsford Beats, and dance entertainment from SMB Dance. Wallwood hosted themed character entertainment, while local businesses offered sweet treats and decorated shopfronts to enhance the spooky atmosphere.

Sharing her enthusiasm for the event,Laura Christie, co-owner of Linden Stores, one of the evening’s sponsors, said: “We were delighted to take part in the Pumpkin Path 2025, it’s an amazing community event run by the town council which brings a real buzz to Knutsford and smiles to lots of little faces! As residents as well as business owners, it’s great to see the town so busy!”

Owner of Knutsford Sweet shoppe stoof out front in a Queen of Hearts costume accompanied by 4 helpers in Ace of Spades costumes.

Echoing that sentiment, Lucinda Hinton from King Street Dental, another sponsor for the event commented: “It’s events like the Pumpkin Path which make Knutsford special – we’re very proud to have sponsored an occasion to bring our community together and create a safe place for our children to have fun. Who knew that free toothpaste and vampire fangs would be so popular!!”

Reflecting on the success of the event, Laura Phillipson, Events Manager at Knutsford Town Council, added: “Knutsford Pumpkin Path is one of the town’s most popular events. It was wonderful to see so many families taking part, enjoying the costumes, and appreciating the fantastic displays created by our local businesses.”

The event formed part of Knutsford’s dynamic calendar of community activities and was kindly sponsored by Travel Bag, Linden Stores, and King Street Dental. For details of upcoming events, visit www.discoverknutsford.com or follow @discoverknutsford on Facebook and Instagram.

7Nov2025

Prevent Breast Cancer Quiz Night at Knutsford Market Hall

Knutsford Market Hall is gearing up to host a fun-filled fundraising quiz night on Wednesday, December 3rd, in aid of charity Prevent Breast Cancer. The evening promises great entertainment, delicious food, and the chance to win fantastic prizes, all while supporting a crucial cause.

The quiz will be hosted by local quiz master Kevin Jardine with food and drink available from Thai Kitchen and raffle prizes to win from a selection of local businesses including Roberta Beauty Redefined, Detaljer, Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe, Hot Cocoa, The White Orchid Floral Boutique and Cottons Hotel and Spa. Thai Kitchen will also be contributing a percentage of profits from the evening to this worthwhile charity.

Kevin will put teams’ general knowledge to the test. Attendees can look forward to enjoying tasty food and drinks from Thai Kitchen, which is also generously contributing a percentage of its profits from the evening directly to the charity.

The newly refurbished Market Hall will open its doors to quiz-goers at 7:00 PM, with the quiz kicking off promptly at 7:30 PM.

Tickets are priced at £20 and cover a team of four or six people A small prize awaits the winning team!

Kerri Reece, a local resident and representative for Prevent Breast Cancer, shared her excitement: “We are really looking forward to everyone attending the quiz night, having fun, enjoying the Thai food, and of course, raising money for this worthwhile charity. All monies raised on the night will go directly to the charity.”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, added, “We are delighted to host the quiz in aid of Prevent Breast Cancer and look forward to a great, festive evening here at the Market Hall.”

Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity committed solely to predicting and preventing breast cancer. For more information about their work, visit: https://preventbreastcancer.org.uk/

Tickets can be purchased via: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/pbc/1918368

North West based Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity committed solely to predicting and preventing breast cancer. Further information can be found here –

Prevent Breast Cancer Home

28Oct2025

Christmas in Knutsford Returns with Extended Festive Season for 2025

Knutsford is preparing to sparkle once again as the town’s much-loved festive celebrations return this November — with a few exciting changes for 2025!

This year, the Christmas season kicks off slightly earlier, with the Christmas Light Switch-On and Santa Parade taking place on Saturday 15th November, two weeks ahead of the Christmas Market weekend.

The change aims to extend the Christmas shopping period for Knutsford’s town centre businesses and help manage the high visitor numbers both events attract.

Christmas Light Switch-On & Parade – Saturday 15th November | 4pm – 7pm

Festivities begin at 4pm in Canute Place, where Silk FM will host an evening of live entertainment featuring local school choirs and musicians. Families can also enjoy the CAFT Christmas Grotto and a small selection of food and drink traders offering seasonal treats.

At 6pm, the Santa Parade will set off from outside The Lost & Found, travelling along Princess Street towards Canute Place. The evening will reach its festive peak at 6.30pm, when the Mayor of Knutsford, joined by special guests, will switch on the town’s beautiful Christmas lights to officially mark the start of the season.

Knutsford Christmas Market – Saturday 29^th November |12 noon – 5pm, Sunday 30th November | 11am – 4pm

The ever-popular Knutsford Christmas Market returns for a full weekend of festive shopping and family fun. This year’s market will be bigger than ever, with traders spread across Princess Street, King Street, and Silk Mill Street.

Visitors can browse a wonderful variety of artisanal food and drink, handmade crafts, and unique gift ideas from some of Cheshire’s finest independent makers. Live entertainment will fill the streets throughout the weekend, and Silk Mill Street will host an array of hot food traders, perfect for grabbing a festive bite while enjoying the atmosphere.

Santa’s Grotto – Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November

Bring the magic of Christmas to life for your little ones with a visit to Santa’s Grotto, kindly hosted by Knutsford Methodist Church.

Saturday: 11am – 3pm
Sunday: 12pm – 3pm

Children will receive a special Christmas treat.

Knutsford Town Council invites everyone to experience the charm of the town during this extended festive period. From the dazzling lights and live music to artisan shopping and seasonal street food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For full event details and updates, visit www.discoverknutsford.com/events or follow @KnutsfordTownCouncil and @DiscoverKnutsford on social media.

17Oct2025

Stolen Lamb joins Taste Knutsford!

Knutsford’s newest culinary star, The Stolen Lamb, has officially joined Taste Knutsford, the Cheshire market town’s well-established food and drink tour. The family-run Greek restaurant, which opened in August in the former Botanist premises on King Street, has quickly become a local favourite.

The Stolen Lamb’s addition brings authentic Mediterranean flavours to the diverse line-up of independent venues on the tour. Their offering for guests will be a selection of three meze dishes with bread and dips, giving tour-goers a delicious taste of Greece.

“As soon as The Stolen Lamb opened, we knew they were a perfect fit for the tour,” said Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager for Knutsford Town Council and tour organiser. “They are family-run, community-minded, and focus on freshly prepared, authentic dishes. We think our guests will be delighted with their meze offer.”

Saphina Hadjiyianni, owner, said “We’ve received such a warm welcome since opening in August from both residents and visitors to the town. It was an easy decision to join the Taste Knutsford tour. It champions small independent restaurants and it also a great way to promote our wonderful town. We can’t wait to greet tour guests and see them enjoy a little bit of Greece on King Street.

Taste Knutsford runs once a month on a Saturday between February and November, with guests typically visiting around seven participating venues in a single tour.

Booking and Information: Guests can find out more about the tour and book tickets by visiting www.tasteknutsford.co.uk.
Private Tours: Private tours for groups of 8 or more are also available.
Partnership Tours: Taste Knutsford is also currently running special shorter evening tours in partnership with Knutsford Ghost Walks, combining food with a spooky ghost tour element. These tours for October and November have already sold out.

16Oct2025

Knutsford Pumpkin Path Returns!

Get ready for a spooktacular night like no other! Knutsford’s favourite family-friendly Halloween event, Pumpkin Path, is back! Join us on Friday, 31st October from 4pm to 7pm as King Street transforms into a Halloween haven, filled with fun, excitement, and sweets!

This year’s event promises to be as fun filled as ever, with live performances to capture the imagination and entertain the crowds. Be sure not to miss out on a show from the amazing SMB Dance who will be bringing captivating choreography to life with a Halloween twist. The amazing Knutsford Beats Choir will be serenading visitors with haunting harmonies that are sure to get everyone in the Halloween spirit.

Of course, the much-loved Pumpkin Path is the heart of the night. Families can pick up an entry form and follow the map to discover 12 hidden pumpkins nestled along the streets. Each one is marked with a letter, spelling Trick or Treat but first you need to find the shop.

Don’t forget to also keep your eyes peeled for some special characters along the way, who will bring the streets to life with fun interactions that are perfect for all ages!

As ever a visit to Wallwood is a must where you can spot Minecraft Steve, Frankenstein, Mickey, and Minnie. These child friendly characters will also be wondering around the streets so keep your eyes peeled and don’t forget to take a picture.

While the event is free to enter, a voluntary donation of £1 per child would be warmly welcomed to help support the event. Entry forms will be available from Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe and from the welcome desks along King Street. The event is organised by Knutsford Town Council and generously sponsored by Travel Bag, Linden Stores and King Street Dental Practice.

Ray Balderstone, Manager of Princess Street based Travelbag said, “”We are absolutely thrilled to once again partner with Knutsford Town Council to sponsor the annual Pumpkin Path. This event is a fantastic tradition that brings so much joy and spooky fun to families across the town. As a local business, Travelbag Knutsford loves being part of initiatives that truly enrich our community, and we can’t wait to see all the creative costumes and happy faces on the night!”

So, mark your calendars, gather your costumes, and join us for an unforgettable night of Halloween magic, live performances, and family fun. We can’t wait to see you on the Pumpkin Path!

Event Information

To find out more about the event, visit www.discoverknutsford.com or email enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk, or alternatively you can call 01565 653 929.

Road Closures

To enable the Pumpkin Path to take place safely, road closures will be in place as follows:

King Street at the junction with Church Walk to the junction with Drury Lane

All affected residents have been contacted directly

9Oct2025

Join us for “Thai Night” at Knutsford Market Hall!

Thai Kitchen, the hugely popular stall in the newly refurbished Knutsford Market Hall, is bringing a taste of Bangkok to Cheshire with its first-ever Thai Night on Saturday the 25th October. Promising a unique blend of authentic street food, explosive culture, and high-energy entertainment, the evening is set to be one of Knutsford’s must-attend events.

The event is a celebration of all things Thai, offering much more than just the delicious food that has made the stall a local favourite. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant programme that includes:

Demonstrations and displays of Thailand’s national sport of Muay Thai

DJ spinning the best of R&B and 90’s hip hop

Prize draw to win prizes from market hall traders and other Knutsford businesses

A selection of signature Thai dishes available to purchase throughout the evening

A chance to win a dream holiday to Koh Samui in partnership with Singa beer

Thai Kitchen owner, May Lynch said, “We are delighted to bring a night of Thai flavour, culture, and rhythm to Knutsford. We will be serving our amazing food alongside some great beers, wine and spirits. Lots of people have tasted our food but few have seen a Thai boxing demonstration so please come along and join in the fun. We guarantee fun, energy and an all-round good vibe all evening!”

Tickets cost £5 and include one entry into a prize draw and a welcome drink. The evening is hosted by local radio celebrity Rachel Burke-Davies from the Breakfast team. The event takes place on Saturday 25th October between 6L30pm and 10:30pm. You can purchase a ticket by visiting the market hall from 9am each Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

26Sep2025

Town Council Launches Accessibility Forum

Knutsford Town Council is inviting residents to attend the inaugural Knutsford Accessibility Forum on Thursday 13th November at Knutsford Market Hall.

The council is inviting residents of Knutsford who have lived experience of disability, chronic illness, additional needs and other access requirements to join us for the evening; with hopes of bringing voices together to create a new resident-led group to support local change.

Community Engagement Officer, Lucy Fox said “Hosted at our recently refurbished accessible Market Hall, this is your chance to speak about the challenges you face and improvements you would like to see made to better access and enjoy what our town has to offer.”

“The forum will be shaped by attendees, with support from the council. Our aim is to facilitate an ongoing group who can make recommendations and champion improvements across town. The functions of the group will depend on interest and attendance at the first meeting.”

It is important to the council that the group represents the voices of people living with different physical and mental health circumstances so it can hear and learn more about the perspectives and challenges from first-hand experience. Carers and other supporting persons are also welcome.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm and finish at approximately 8 pm, depending on attendee interest and numbers.

If you would like to attend but need reasonable adjustments, or if you have any questions, please email lucy.fox@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653929.

3Sep2025

Children’s Reading Activities at Knutsford Library Supported by Community Grant Scheme

To support their annual Summer Reading Challenge, Knutsford Library has been awarded £400 as part of the Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme.

The library is delivering a programme of events and activities to encourage reading and library membership over the summer holidays, running fun events along the way to increase enthusiasm for reading amongst local children. The initiative also aims to precent a dip in literacy levels over the break.

Cheshire East libraries, including Knutsford Library, aim to become the venue of choice for enabling and connecting residents to enrichment within their lives. Library services and spaces are designed to meet community needs by providing free access to books, e-resources, information and computers. In doing so, they support learning, improve literacy and contribute to the health, wellbeing and resilience of the local community.

To find out more about library services, please visit https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/libraries/nearest-library/knutsford_library.aspx or call 01625 374873.

The Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support community projects and activities within Knutsford. Funding priorities include providing services/opportunities for young people or older people, providing new or improved assets or services for the community and enhancing the profile or reputation of the Town.

The next deadline for applications is 31^st December. For more information visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants.

27Aug2025

Bat Walk Boosted by Community Grant Scheme

As part of Knutsford Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme, Crosstown Community Orchard has been awarded a grant worth £325 through the gift of five bat detectors.

The charity runs a well-attended Bat and Moth event each September. The free event offers residents a unique opportunity to take a closer look at these wonderful creatures, whilst engaging people in conversation about local green spaces. The focus of the event is to enhance awareness of and appreciation for wildlife and the natural environment, bringing the community together to discuss ecosystems and the impact of different decisions on wildlife.

The 2025 Bat and Moth event takes place on Friday 12^th September, starting at 8:30pm at the shelter on the Moor.

Crosstown Community Orchard is an open to all green space where members of our community can maintain and share in the bounty of an orchard. The charity hosts several events throughout the year and always welcomes new volunteers to support their work.

Orchard trustee, Kevin Griffiths said “The bat detectors will be used every year at our event to enable visitors to hear the sounds of the different bats we find on the Moor.

We’re grateful to the town council for its continued support of our work and invite anyone to join us at this year’s Bat and Moth walk”

For more information about Crosstown Community Orchard please visit www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk. The Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support community projects and activities within Knutsford. Funding priorities include providing services/opportunities for young people or older people, providing new or improved assets or services for the community and enhancing the profile or reputation of the Town. The next deadline for applications is 31^st August. For more information visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants.

20Aug2025

Knutsford buzzes with art and alfresco dining

Knutsford was a hive of creativity on August 17th as the town hosted its inaugural Paint Knutsford and Young Artist of the Year competitions. Over 30 professional and amateur artists turned Knutsford into an open-air studio, capturing iconic buildings, green spaces, and streetscapes.

Sponsored by King Street Dental Practice, the event culminated in an exhibition at Knutsford Market Hall where a judging panel, including Knutsford Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley and gallery owner Tony Turner, selected the winners.

Jill Aspen took first place for her stunning painting of the moor lake. Jill said, “What a lovely day spent painting in the sunshine. There were so many fantastic artists there, and I met lots of lovely Knutsford folk. To win first place just topped off a fabulous day. Thanks so much to everyone involved. I can’t wait for Paint Knutsford 2026”

Second place went to Liz Wheeldon-Wyatt for her illustration of the newly opened Stolen Lamb restaurant.

Jill Aspen – Overall winner of Paint Knutsford

Liz Wheeldon Wyatt – 2nd place — Jill Aspen – Overall winner of Paint Knutsford

Tony Tuner owner of The Next Door Gallery said, “I was delighted to be involved in the first Paint Knutsford. What a lovely event. I was so impressed with the range of entries from both the adult entrants and young artists – particularly in the 12-17 years category. The level of skill was outstanding. A huge congratulations to the winners and everyone who took part. Roll on 2026”

Rosie Birchill – 2nd place 12-17 — Jenna Reid – 1st place 12-17 category

The next generation of artists was also celebrated in the Young Artist of the Year competition, drawing a wide range of entries from local budding artists. Edie Joe Fuller (age 7) won the 4-11 years category, with Richard Taberner (age 6) as the runner-up. In the 12-17 years category, two Knutsford Academy students took the top spots: Jenna Reid in first place and Rosie Birchall as runner-up.

Alfresco dining also took place on King Street creating a festival like atmosphere in the town.

Wallop, Mowgli, Piccolinos, Gusto, Smokehouse and Cellar, Rose and Crown, Patrick’s Irish pub, and Morgan Edwards all offered outdoor seating allowing visitors and residents to enjoy the glorious weather

Alfresco Dining by Smokehouse and Cellar — Alfresco Dining by Rose and Crown

Andy Vo, manager of the Smokehouse and Cellar said, “Al Fresco dining has become an established feature in Knutsford’s Summer social scene. It provides an outdoor festival atmosphere for diners and drinkers alike. This year was no exception, and the glorious weather drew in many locals and visitors from further afield.”

David Sims, owner of the Rose and Crown said, “What a day for alfresco dining! The Rose and Crown team had a wonderful day greeting regulars and visitors alike. The Paint Knutsford event was an additional draw and the atmosphere in town was amazing!”

Laura Phillipson, Events Manager at Knutsford Town Council said, “The feedback from the artists, our King Street hospitality and visitors to the town was amazing. Watching the artists in action and their painting unfold was such a unique experience. Congratulations to our winning entrants and everyone who took part. We hope to repeat this event next year and hopefully the sun will also make a return visit!”

All entries have been uploaded to social media for an additional public vote which closes on 26^th August. The entries can be viewed on Knutsford Town Council’s website and Facebook pages.

Cast your vote on the following link – https://form.jotform.com/252312585494360

Garry Hartley painting The White Bear — Patrick Jones painting by the Moor

Images by Knutsford Photographic Society.

For further information on our events programme, visit www.discoverknutsford.co.uk or @DiscoverKnutsford on our social channels. Enquiries can be sent to enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929.

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