News | Knutsford Town Council | Serving the Knutsford Community

16Jun2026

Knutsford Alfresco Dining returns

Knutsford Alfresco Dining Returns with Summer Atmosphere in Town Centre

Knutsford town centre hosted its latest alfresco dining event on Sunday 14 June, with King Street and Silk Mill Street providing the perfect setting for a day of outdoor dining.

The sun made a welcome appearance, adding to the atmosphere as families, friends and visitors of all ages embraced the opportunity to dine together outdoors, spending the day socialising and enjoying Knutsford’s unique town centre setting.

Hospitality venues taking part included the Rose & Crown Inn, Gusto Italian, Morgan Edwards, Mowgli Street Food, Patrick’s Irish Pub, Smokehouse & Cellar, Wallop, Six Knutsford, Piccolino and Smoke Knutsford, all of which offered outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy the town centre in the summer sunshine.

The event forms part of Knutsford Town Council’s summer alfresco dining programme, which aims to support local businesses, increase footfall in the town centre and bring people together in shared community spaces.

Steve Mitchell, owner of Six, said, “We were delighted with the response to our first Alfresco event. Summer 2026 so far hasn’t been brilliant, but the weather stayed dry and we had a great turnout. It was lovely to see families enjoying themselves. Here’s to the next one.”

Caroline Haynes, Events Manager at Knutsford Town Council, said, “Alfresco dining is a real highlight of the town’s summer programme, and it was fantastic to see so many people out enjoying the town centre on Sunday. Events like this are all about creating a welcoming atmosphere, supporting our local hospitality businesses, and giving residents and visitors a chance to experience Knutsford in a different way. We’re looking forward to the next dates in the programme.”

The summer programme continues with two further alfresco dining dates planned; Sunday 16th August, alongside Paint Knutsford, and Sunday 13th September, offering more opportunities to enjoy outdoor dining in the town centre.

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.

Photo by Knutsford Town Council – Alfresco Dining, King Street

16Jun2026

2026 Knutsford Town Centre Map launched ready for the summer

The 2026 Knutsford Town Centre map has been published in time for the summer season.

The unique illustrated map is designed to give a summary of what Knutsford has to offer, highlighting its markets, cafes and restaurants as well as the diverse retail offering. The leaflet also lists key town events for the coming year.

The map is supported with adverts from a selection of Knutsford’s shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars. It is distributed to key locations in the town centre including the railway station, Tatton Park and Knutsford Heritage Centre and is used as a promotion tool throughout the year at events including ever-busy Knutsford Christmas Markets. The map will also be distributed to tourist information offices across the county as well as local hotels and self-catering accommodation. The production of the map has been fully funded by local businesses through the advertising.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are delighted to publish a new edition of the town centre map. It is a key marketing tool for the town for residents and visitors alike. A huge thanks to those business who support the production of the map, many of whom are repeat advertisers”

16Jun2026

Knutsford Family Fest Returns for its Fourth Year

Knutsford’s popular Family Fest is returning for its fourth year this summer, expanding into a full weekend event packed with family-friendly activities.

Taking place on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July, the festival will see Knutsford Town Council collaborate with local shops, restaurants, and community spaces to deliver a vibrant weekend of entertainment. Many of the activities across the town are free of charge and suitable for all ages.

Family Fest takes place across the town’s shops, restaurants, and community spaces and sees Knutsford Town Council collaborating with local businesses to organise a jam-packed weekend of family friendly activities.

The event takes place on 11^th – 12^th July with a host of events including suitable for all ages with many activities free of charge.

A major highlight of the weekend is the return of Movies on the Moor, taking place on Saturday 11th July from 1pm to 9pm. Sponsored by Princess Street-based insurance specialists NFU Mutual, the open-air big screen will kick off at 2pm with a special sing-along version of Encanto. This will be followed by a ‘People’s Choice’ screening (voted for by the public, to be announced soon), before wrapping up with the blockbuster hit Jumanji at 6:30pm

Holly Duxbury, Partner of NFU Mutual, said, “We are incredibly proud to support Movies on the Moor this year. Knutsford has such a fantastic community spirit, and free, family-friendly events like this are exactly what makes our town so special to live and work in. NFU Mutual has a long history of backing the communities we serve, and helping to bring this wonderful open-air cinema experience to The Moor is a brilliant way to celebrate the summer season together. We hope everyone has a magical time and the sun shines!”

A diverse range of Knutsford businesses are opening their doors with special events, workshops, and offers across the weekend, including:

Face painting and sweet treats at Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe
Paella party at Evuna
Four family friendly yoga sessions at Satya Sanctuary
Phonics with Robot Reg at the Tatton Room in Curzon
Children’s Disco with DJ Pete Deane at Knutsford Market Hall
PopCat’s Music Time at Knutsford Market Hall
Family Bootcamp run by Fitism on The moor
Nail file and polish for children at Roberta Beauty Redefined
Guess the number of olives competition at the Stolen Lamb (to win a voucher)
Special familyfest dining offers at Piccolinos

Caroline Haynes, Events Manager added “We are delighted at the number of businesses taking part in Family Fest this year. Thanks to their incredible support, the festival has grown into a full weekend itinerary. There is truly something for everyone, so we encourage everyone to pick up a leaflet and enjoy everything Knutsford has to offer.”

Official Family Fest leaflets containing the full schedule are currently being distributed to Knutsford’s primary schools and will be available to pick up from participating town centre shops and businesses from next week

16Jun2026

Publication of Unaudited Accounts 2025/26

NOTICE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS AND PUBLICATION OF
UNAUDITED ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 26 and 27
The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234)

Date of announcement Tuesday 16 June 2026

Each year the smaller authority’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) needs to be reviewed by an external auditor appointed by Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd. The unaudited AGAR has been published with this notice. As it has yet to be reviewed by the appointed auditor, it is subject to change as a result of that review.

Any person interested has the right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested. For the year ended 31 March 2026, these documents will be available on reasonable notice by application to:

Adam Keppel-Green, Town Clerk
Council Offices, Toft Road, Knutsford, WA16 6TA
townclerk@kntusfordtowncouncil.gov.uk – 01565 653 929

commencing on Wednesday 17 June 2026
and ending on Tuesday 28 July 2026

Local government electors and their representatives also have:

The opportunity to question the appointed auditor about the accounting records; and
The right to make an objection which concerns a matter in respect of which the appointed auditor could either make a public interest report or apply to the court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful. Written notice of an objection must first be given to the auditor and a copy sent to the smaller authority.

The appointed auditor can be contacted at the address in paragraph 4 below for this purpose between the above dates only.

The smaller authority’s AGAR is subject to review by the appointed auditor under the provisions of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and the NAO’s Code of Audit Practice 2015. The appointed auditor is:

PKF Littlejohn LLP (Ref: SBA Team), 1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4HD / sba@pkf-littlejohn.com

This announcement is made by Adam Keppel-Green, Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer

You can view the unaudited return here: AGAR 2025/26 (unaudited)

5Jun2026

Hunt is on for Knutsford’s best ponds

Residents with garden ponds are being encouraged to log them as part of the Knutsford Nature Action Plan with the opportunity to submit them into the Knutsford’s Best Ponds Competition.

This year’s theme of the Knutsford Nature Action Plan is Frogs and Pondlife, aiming to raise awareness of the important role that ponds of all sizes play for nature. Ponds might seem small or unimportant, but they are some of the best places for wildlife, supporting amphibians such as frogs and newts and insects such as dragonflies and beetles.

As part of the Nature Action Plan work, the council is looking to map garden ponds to understand the network and is inviting residents to log their ponds online, with the option to enter them into the competition.

Alongside this, the Town Council’s Nature Action Plan working group is encouraging residents to create a pond in their garden – whether a small patio pond or a large sunken pond – all help support a plethora of wildlife and help reverse the 60% decline in natural ponds in Cheshire since 1870.

The Knutsford’s Best Ponds competition has two categories – Best New Pond for ponds created in 2026, and Best Established Pond for ponds created pre 2026.

Ponds do not need to be large; small, shallow ponds often have even more wildlife because many species prefer shallow water. However, there needs to be plenty of ponds in the area so that animals can move easily from one to another as their life cycles and the environment require. Having many ponds close together matters more than the size of each pond.

Entries to the competition will be judged on three criteria:

Value for wildlife – how the pond has been created and located to support wildlife
Attractiveness – the overall visual attractiveness of the pond within its setting
Sustainability – the use of recycled or sustainably sourced materials

“Whether you are entering the competition or not, we want to understand how many garden ponds there are in Knutsford” said Town Clerk Adam Keppel-Green.

“Logging your pond will help us create that map and identify if there are spaces where ponds could be beneficial so the whole town is supporting the wildlife that depends on them”

You can find out more about the importance of ponds, find resources to create your own pond, and log your pond or enter the competition at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/pondlife

3Jun2026

Children learn about newts and pond wildlife

Children from two Knutsford schools learnt all about newts and pondlife with guest speaker, David Orchard from the Amphibian and Reptile Group of Lancashire (ARGL) on Wednesday 25^th and Thursday 26^th May.

As part of this year’s Nature Action Plan theme – Frogs and Pondlife, Knutsford Town Council organised for David to attend St Vincent’s and Bexton primary schools where groups of children gathered to learn lots of interesting facts about newts. They learned that newts are amphibians, that they can be found in Britain, and the sort of things that newts eat and their predators.

All the children had the opportunity to hold a Palmate newt, and David highlighted what sorts of ponds newts can be found in, where they lay their eggs and how quickly they grow.

The children were given a pondlife diary, created by the Town Council, which contained guidance on creating a pond at home and space to record their first year’s findings.

“Most children have never seen a newt, so bringing these animals into school is an important educational experience. Being able to see a newt close up means so much more than seeing one on the TV or internet and seeing the children’s excitement and interest in these animals is great to see. Such experiences help children to understand and connect with nature, which is essential if we’re going to protect our environment in the future,” said David.

Liz Ledwith, PPA teacher from Bexton Primary said, “Thank you again for organising David ‘The Newt Man’ to come in and talk to the children regarding these amazing amphibians. The children loved holding the creatures and I’m hopeful we have many budding ecologists for the future”.

The Town Council is looking to map garden ponds to understand the network and is actively encouraging residents to create ponds, big or small, in their garden with the opportunity to enter the Knutsford’s Best Pond competition.

You can find out more about the importance of ponds, find resources to create your own pond, and log your pond or enter the competition at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/pondlife

St Vincents Children loving the hands on demonstration

29May2026

Mayor of Knutsford launches first two fundraising events

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Peter Coan, is launching the first two fundraising events of his term, bringing people together in support of local charities: Men’s Shed Knutsford and the four Knutsford primary schools PTAs. From tackling isolation, supporting wellbeing, and providing new experiences for children, these charities benefit the whole community.

Dine with the Mayor at Linden Stores – Wednesday 10 June

One of Knutsford’s independent restaurants and winner of a Town Award Business Award 2026, Linden Stores will host a special “Dine with the Mayor” evening on Wednesday 10 June.

Whether attending alone, as a couple or with a group of friends, everyone will be made to feel welcome. The event is also a great opportunity to network and meet new people.

Places are limited. Tickets are £50 per person and can be purchased here:
buytickets.at/mayorofknutsford/2158342

Mayor’s World Cup Sweepstake

Think sweepstakes are only for football experts? Think again.

The Mayor’s World Cup Sweepstake is open to everyone — no football knowledge is needed. Simply buy a team and wait for the draw to decide your country at random.

You could end up with one of the tournament favourites… or a complete underdog that goes all the way.

Cash prizes are up for grabs. Teams must be purchased before 8 June, with the mayor drawing the teams before the World Cup kicks off.

Tickets are available here:
buytickets.at/mayorofknutsford/2192371

Full terms and conditions are also available to view.

Cllr Coan said:

“During my mayoral term, I want to bring the Knutsford community together by meeting and getting to know as many residents as possible. As a single, older man myself, I know that attending group events can sometimes feel daunting, but I can assure you that you will be made to feel very welcome at any of my fundraising events.

“The World Cup Sweepstake is a bit of fun, with the aim of getting the Knutsford community into the spirit of the tournament. I even got my legs out to promote the event! You need no knowledge of football whatsoever. I do hope you will support me in raising as much money as possible throughout my mayoral term.

The Mayor with firefighters from Knutsford Fire Station

29May2026

Former Mayor announces £4,480 raised for local charities

Former Mayor of Knutsford, Bryan Hartley, concluded his mayoral year by presenting cheques totalling £2,240 each to his chosen charities, East Cheshire Hospice and Knutsford in Bloom, following a year of fundraising events.

The former Mayor thanked residents, businesses, and volunteers for their generous support throughout the year. Reflecting on his time in office, Cllr Hartley praised the community’s continued kindness and support. He said: “Every contribution, large or small, has made a real difference and reflects the incredible community spirit that makes Knutsford so special. It has been an honour to support two organisations that do such valuable work within our community:

Among the highlights of the year was the mayor’s sold-out Bingo Night at Knutsford Market Hall, along with the ever-popular Mayor’s Quiz Night, where Tatton Velo were crowned champions. Cllr Hartley also thanked The Angel at King Street for their hospitality.

The year concluded with the Mayor’s Charity Ball at Cottons Hotel & Spa, where guests, sponsors and local businesses helped raise further funds through donations and prize contributions. Special thanks were given to Law by Sophie as principal sponsor of the event.

Funds raised during the year will go directly to support the valuable work carried out by East Cheshire Hospice and Knutsford in Bloom.

Barry Tilby from Knutsford in Bloom said: “On behalf of Knutsford in Bloom, we would like to thank Cllr Hartley not only for choosing us as a beneficiary during his term of office, but also for the support and encouragement he has given us over the past twelve months. His enthusiasm is infectious, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside him in the coming year.”

Claire Gorton from East Cheshire Hospice said “We’re so grateful to Cllr Bryan Hartley for selecting East Cheshire Hospice as one of his chosen charities for his mayoral year. The efforts of him and the officers at Knutsford Town Council have helped to raise over £2,000. This is a fantastic achievement that will make a big difference. It was wonderful to see Cllr Hatley volunteering for our Christmas Tree Collection too as this is a huge fundraiser for us. The Hospice receives only around 21% of running costs from the government, meaning that £9,362 must be raised daily to be able to run our vital services. Support from our community is so important, we are immensely proud of the Knutsford community for their generosity.

Cllr Hartley with volunteers from Knutsford in Bloom

Cllr Hartley with Claire and Gill from East Cheshire Hospice

27May2026

Knutsford Fashion Week 2026

From Sunday 11 May to Saturday 16 May, Knutsford’s independent fashion boutiques took centre stage as the town celebrated its first-ever Knutsford Fashion Week, sponsored by Laura Davies Styling.

Formerly known as Flash Fashion, the event was first launched in 2019 to showcase Knutsford’s unique independent retailers and vibrant fashion scene. Following the success of previous years, the event evolved into a week-long celebration of style and creativity.

Throughout the week, visitors enjoyed a packed programme of fashion-focused events and experiences, including one-to-one styling appointments, personal shopping sessions, colour analysis consultations with sponsor Laura Davies and Graham & Brown, exclusive discounts, prize draws and in-store promotions.

The week culminated in a spectacular catwalk finale at The Lost & Found on Saturday 16 May. The list of independent businesses taking part in the week was:

Kanoa Living
Redress at Dexter & Jones
Blossom Boutique
Paris Ladies Boutique
Bare Necessities
Willow Boutiques
Chalk 33
Milania Boutique
Guinot
Graham & Brown
Zapatos
Clare & Illingworth
Riva Menswear
Oliver Wild
Lanigan & Hulme
The British Red Cross
The Edit
Satya Sanctuary
Children’s Adventure Farm Trust
Alex&er Jewellery

The catwalk show was introduced by Lucy Norris of Live with Lucy and compered once again by Katy Rickitt of Dexter & Jones. Featuring collections from more than 16 independent retailers — from fashion boutiques to preloved and sustainable fashion businesses — the runway celebrated the diversity, quality, and distinctive style that Knutsford’s retail scene is known for.

Following the show, guests explored Knutsford’s independent boutiques, many of which hosted exclusive in-store experiences and late shopping opportunities. Bare Necessities also drew attention with volunteer models showcasing the latest lingerie and swimwear collections in the shop window, adding to the lively atmosphere across the town centre.

A lady wearing a black and white floral dress with hat and jacket

Caroline Haynes, Event Manager at Knutsford Town Council, said:

“Knutsford Fashion Week has been a fantastic success, and it has been wonderful to see the town come together to celebrate fashion, creativity, and our brilliant local businesses.

“The fashion show at the end of the week was a real highlight, with an amazing atmosphere and so many people coming together to make it such a special event. A huge thank you goes to all the businesses, models and everyone involved in making the show such a success, as well as our sponsor Laura Davies Styling.

“Events like this really showcase the unique spirit of Knutsford and the strength of our local community, and we’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved.”

Sally Feeke of Zapatos added, “Knutsford Fashion Week is a wonderful platform for showcasing independent style and creativity. At Zapatos, we’re proud to contribute to an event that brings together local businesses, fashion, and the community in such an inspiring way. The weather could have been better, but with spring finally arriving, it’s the perfect excuse to add some Knutsford flair to your spring/summer wardrobe.” Organised by Knutsford Town Council in collaboration with local businesses, Knutsford Fashion Week proved to be a vibrant celebration of independent retail, creativity, and community spirit. Now firmly established as a key fixture in the town’s events calendar, Knutsford Fashion Week will return in 2027, continuing to champion Knutsford’s thriving independent retail community.

Photos by Dagmara Studios

20May2026

Knutsford now a ‘Bee Friendly Town’

Knutsford has been accredited as a Bee Friendly Town.

The award, announced to coincide with World Bee Day (20^th May), recognises communities which have taken action to support pollinators and is awarded by the Bee Friendly Trust.

Knutsford has been recognised for the work, led by Knutsford Town Council through its Nature Action Plan, which has seen wildflower meadows sown and a permanent educational bee trail created in 2025. The award follows the ‘Bees Needs’ accolade awarded to Knutsford by DEFRA in 2025.

Emma Pritchard of the Bee Friendly Trust praised the town’s application: “The judges really enjoyed reading about everything that you have been doing to support bees and pollinators in your area. They particularly loved your 5km Bee Trail – what a fantastic way of engaging and inspiring your community.”

To celebrate the award, residents can collect free wildflower seed packets, along with a sticker and window sticker from Knutsford Library, Knutsford Market Hall and Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe. They are available from 20^th May until stocks run out and were donated by the Bee Friendly Trust.

You can read more about the Knutsford Bee Trail and positive action you can take to support pollinators at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/bee-trail.

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