Community News | Knutsford Town Council

19Aug2025

Fun for all the family at Family Fest

The sun was shining on Sunday 10^th August for the third Knutsford Family Fest. Families flocked to the town to take advantage of the variety of family friendly activities across shops, restaurants, and community spaces in Knutsford town centre.

Attendees had options to start the day with a choice of family friendly yoga sessions from Sataya Sanctuary, a lively music class from Popcat’s Music Time or a phonics class with Robot Reg!

Children also had a chance to stitch their own souvenir in Knutsford Heritage Centre after viewing their stunning Millennium Tapestry.

The Knutsford Fire Service was in attendance outside the Lost and Found showing children around the fire engine. There was some wonderful food and drink on Minshull Street courtesy of Linden Stores and Jordy’s Pizza and also outside The Lost and Found. Both were bustling with diners enjoying the chilled-out atmosphere and sunshine. There was also a paella party at everyone’s favourite Spanish restaurant Evuna.

Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe hosted face painting sessions and a fancy dress competition judged by Knutsford Town Mayor Councillor Bryan Hartley. There was also a well-attended children’s disco at Knutsford Market Hall which also saw Bahattin of The Market Café demonstrate some Greek dancing!

The sponsor of the event, Cottons had a pop-up promoting their hotel alongside a competition to win a spa day for two. Ian Gatley, Cotton’s Sales Manager, said, “We loved taking part in our first family fest. It was lovely to see so many people outside in the sunshine enjoying themselves. Thanks to everyone who came to visit us and congratulations to the winner of our spa competition.”

Sandra Curties, Town Central Manager at Knutsford Town Council said; “We were delighted with the response to our third family Fest. The sun shone and children of all ages had a wonderful time. Thanks to everyone who collaborated on this event, we can’t wait for Family Fest 2026. It was also wonderful to see our refurbished market hall come to life with an amazing children’s disco tunes from DJ Pete Deane!”

Photo Credit – Charlie Norbury Photography

15Aug2025

Stolen Lamb joins the Knutsford voucher family.

Knutsford’s newest restaurant, the Stolen Lamb, has joined the growing list of businesses accepting the Knutsford Voucher.

The family-run Greek restaurant opened in August in the former Botanist premises on King Street and has proved extremely popular with locals and visitors since opening. Saphina Hadjiyianni, owner, said “We’ve been delighted with the welcome we’ve received in Knutsford. We’ve been so busy too with both locals and visitors paying a visit to taste our authentic Greek dishes – so a huge thank you! We are pleased to accept the Knutsford voucher too – it is a great scheme that both keeps spend local and makes a great gift!”

Photo – Sandra Curties of Knutsford Town Council

Left to Right Saphina Hadjiyianni (owner) and Charley Ruocco (manager) of The Stolen Lamb — Photo – Sandra Curties of Knutsford Town Council
Left to Right Saphina Hadjiyianni (owner) and Charley Ruocco (manager) of The Stolen Lamb

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager for Knutsford Town Council, said, “When we introduced the voucher scheme back in 2020, we had no expectation as to the response or longevity of the scheme. We are so pleased it is still in operation, and we’ve added a gift card too. The voucher makes such a lovely gift for all ages with such a variety of businesses accepting it. We are proud to say you can now enjoy Greek food alongside buying a coffee, a cushion, womenswear, or a chicken!”

The Knutsford voucher was launched in 2020 and currently 50 different businesses accept the scheme. The voucher can be ordered via the Discover Knutsford website or in person at the town council offices. They come complete with a gift card, and each business is paid back in full.

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

11Aug2025

A Roof Over the Heads of Hall Users

St Cross Church is one of the latest organisations to receive support through the Knutsford Town Council Community Grant Scheme.

The church has been awarded £1,500 towards the projects costs of recovering the church hall roof. The hall was built in 1980 – 100 years after St Cross Church itself was built and this is the first time the roof has been recovered.

The renewal of the roof will support a vital community asset and was supported with donations of over £12,000 and funding from other sources. As an accessible building with a range of modern and renovated facilities, the hall is used for several community purposes, the lynchpin of which is Hope Central – a charity bringing hope and relieving poverty in Cheshire East.

Hope Central use the hall as a base for their Monday morning drop-in centre, which offers free access to a range of services, as well as food, hot drinks and opportunities for connection and community. Individuals can access debt help, support into employment, and access to courses which provide support about how to live well on a budget. The service has significant impact across the town, fortified use of the hall.

Reverend Paul Deakin, Vicar of St Cross Church, thanked Knutsford Town Council for its award of £1,500 grant towards the cost of recovering the church hall roof:

“As part of the re-roofing project, improved insulation was put in place, alongside a double-glazed replacement skylight. It is all part of the church’s efforts to be as sustainable as possible.”

“The works ensure the hall’s continued use as a community hub by organisations ranging from a Pilates group to the foodbank and weekly drop-in centre run by Hope Central. Organisations are welcome to use the hall – and there’s still some availability for others to do so. By all means let me know, if you’re interested.”

For more information about St Cross Church please visit https://www.stcrossknutsford.org.uk/ or call 01565 640702.And if you’d like to find out more about Hope Central please visit https://hopecentral.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.

25Jul2025

Knutsford Market Hall sponsors Yoga in the Park

Knutsford Market Hall is sponsoring Satya Sanctuary’s August Yoga in the Park session. These free sessions take place on The Moor and the whole community is welcome.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “Satya Sanctuary opened last September and has quickly become part of the fabric of Knutsford. The market hall’s ethos is ‘a vibrant hub for local life’ so sponsoring this event was an easy decision. We are pleased we have enabled this community initiative to be free to all”

Charlotte Montgomery, founder of Satya Sanctuary said, “We are delighted Knutsford Market Hall is sponsoring August’s Yoga in the Park. At Satya we are passionate about bringing the benefits of yoga to as wider audience as possible. These free sessions are suitable for all, just bring a mat or towel and enjoy the session.”

August’s session will take place on August 24^th August at 3.30pm on The Moor. Although the sessions are free pre-booking is essential. You can book via https://www.satyasanctuary.co.uk/book-a-class or download Satya’s app.

Knutsford Market Hall is located on Silk Mill Street, Knutsford and is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Makers Market Sunday from 9am to 4pm

Satya Sanctuary is located on Unit 6a, 44-46 King Street, Knutsford and offers a range of classes throughout the week. www.satyasanctuary.co.uk

22Jul2025

Market Hall Traders Join Taste Knutsford

Two new Knutsford Market Hall traders have joined the ever-popular food lovers tour Taste Knutsford.

Thai Kitchen run by May Lynch has proved extremely popular dining option since the market hall re-opened in May this year. Originally from Thailand, May moved to the UK 8 years ago and has worked in a variety of Thai restaurants as well as honing her skills as a sushi chef. There is already a Thai Kitchen Lymm and now Taste Knutsford tour guests can enjoy her authentic dishes made from fresh ingredients.

May Lynch, said, “I am delighted to be part of Taste Knutsford. A walking food tour is such a unique proposition for a small town such as Knutsford, and it is great that Thai food will now be added to the offer. We will be offering a range of Thai tapas such as spring rolls, fish cakes, pork dumplings, vegan crackers, and tofu satay.”

Polka Polish Bakery offer a cost friendly range of freshly-baked goods including sour dough, granary bread, challah bread and a range of delicious cakes and pastries. Their offer for the tour will be take-out samples from their speciality Polish range”

Kacper Serafin, Polka Bakery’s owner, said, “Taste Knutsford is a great way of promoting both our little bakery and the refurbished market hall to residents and visitors to the town. We can’t wait!”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “We are thrilled to that Thai Kitchen and Polka Polish Bakery are joining fellow market traders, The Market Café and the Market butcher and taking part in Taste Knutsford. Taste Knutsford provides a wonderful introduction to our independent restaurants, bars, and cafes, and we are confident that they will both quickly become a much-loved stop for our guests.”

Any Knutsford based small regional or independent hospitality venue can take part in the tour. If you wish book a tour, please visit www.tasteknutsford.co.uk Private tours for 8 or more can also be arranged.

4Jul2025

Knutsford Young Artist of the Year 2025

Knutsford Young Artist of the Year was first held in 2022 to showcase young local artistic talent. Once again, we’re inviting young local artists to unleash their full artistic potential, whether that be in the form of paintings, digital art, ceramics, illustrations or something else!

There are two categories:

Junior artist: 4 to 11 years old
Young artist: 12 to 18 years old

The competition is open for entries until 18^th July.

A judging panel will shortlist several entries, who will then be invited to a special awards evening at Knutsford Market Hall on Sunday 17^th August. The artists’ work will be displayed in the newly renovated Market Hall for the evening, and a winner and runner up in each category will be awarded and receive a prize.

To enter a valid submission in the competition, you must:

Live in Knutsford, or
Study at a Knutsford school

To enter the competition, please deliver your submission by 5pm on Friday 18^th July, to:

Knutsford Town Council Offices, Toft Road, Knutsford, WA16 6TA. Entries should be accompanied by a piece of paper recording the entrant’s name, age and address and contact information for their parent/guardian.

The judging panel will then shortlist their favourite entries and those shortlisted will be invited to the awards presentation evening, which will be held on Sunday 17^th August from 5.30pm.

For more information, please contact enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929.

30Jun2025

Knutsford Music Festival Success!

The 2025 Knutsford Music Festival, organised by Knutsford Town Council, has concluded with resounding success, drawing music enthusiasts from across the region and beyond. Held from June 5 to 8, the festival featured an eclectic lineup spanning folk, blues, gospel, and pop, transforming Knutsford into a vibrant hub of live music and community engagement.

The folk program, curated by BBC Radio presenter Mark Radcliffe, returned for its eighth year showcasing artists such as Katherine Priddy and Rusty’s Wild Rovers. Performances took place at St John’s Church and Knutsford Little Theatre, captivating audiences with intimate and heartfelt music.

Music on the Moor took place on Saturday 7^th June. This free, open-air event celebrated local talent, offering four hours of live music, craft workshops, and circus performances. Despite challenging weather conditions, attendees maintained high spirits, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm and support.

Festival organisers as the town council have already began planning for the 2026 edition and would love to know what you would like to see included next year! Events Manager Laura Phillipson expressed gratitude to sponsors and attendees, stating, “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.”

Local businesses reported increased foot traffic and sales during the festival weekend, underscoring the event’s positive economic impact on the town.

The Knutsford Town Council is committed to building on this year’s success, with plans to enhance the festival experience in 2026. Organisers are seeking feedback from attendees and residents to ensure the continued growth and relevance of the festival. Suggestions and comments can be directed to Laura Phillipson at laura.phillipson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Photographs by Sadie Whitrigg @Whittriggsadie.

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.

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