News | Knutsford Town Council | Serving the Knutsford Community

13Mar2026

Nominations invited for 2026 awards

The community is invited to submit its nominations for this year’s Knutsford Town Awards.

The Knutsford Town Awards recognises and celebrates the Knutsford community and the people that collectively make Knutsford a thriving and dynamic community. The winners each year are always chosen based on nominations put forward by those in their community.

Nominations can be submitted for any of the following categories:

Civic Award which recognises the work of individuals. Thee awards are made in this category with previous winners including Beer Festival Chair and former councillor Andrew Malloy, May Day Committee stalwart Eileen Podmore and scout leader Rob Lyons.

Youth Award which recognises those aged 21 and under. Last year the award went to Ella Williamson for her volunteering with Crosstown Community Orchard.

Business Award recognises businesses who give something back to their community, previous winners have included Tatton Perk, Oliver Valves and Peter Murray of Pulse of Perfumery.

Community Award shines the light on local charities, committees, and other groups. Stable Minds scooped the prize in 2025 joining the likes of Knutsford First Responders Trust, Canute Lunch Club and The Welcome in the hall of fame.

Extra Mile Award is for those who go above and beyond in their paid work for the benefit of the local community. There was no award made in 2025, so nominations in this category are particularly sought!

Committees involved in managing community organisations are also able to submit a nomination for the “Volunteer of the Year” award.

Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley said “During my time as Town Mayor I have been amazed by the incredible work that goes on in our community and these awards aim to shine a light on this. I want 2026 to be the year we see a record number of nominations – so to each and every person reading this I want you to think about which groups and people inspire you in our community and get a nomination submitted today”

Since their launch in 2013 the Town Awards has been generously sponsored by the Forum of Private Business. The awards are organised by Knutsford Town Council and will be presented as part of the annual town meeting on Wednesday 29^th April at Knutsford Little Theatre.

Nominations close on Friday 10^th April.

12Mar2026

Knutsford Market Hall Opens Doors for Next Generation of Hospitality Entrepreneurs

Knutsford Market Hall is officially inviting applications from ambitious small hospitality businesses to join its vibrant, centrally located trading community.

Following a history of nurturing successful local ventures—including the likes of Morgan Edwards—the Market Hall is now seeking an enthusiastic new operator. Available from mid-April (or potentially sooner), the space represents a “low-risk, high-reward” opportunity for a business to scale without the prohibitive overheads of a traditional standalone high-street unit.

Knutsford Market Hall is in the heart of Knutsford, sharing a communal dining space with the popular Market Café. The monthly rent of £371.61 (inc. VAT), which includes essential services like Wi-Fi and waste management.

“Since 1964, the market has been a launchpad for local talent,” says Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager. “While we have pillars of the community like our Market Hall Butcher who have been with us for years, we also pride ourselves on being a space where businesses can test, learn, and grow. We are looking for a unique food or drink offering that complements our existing traders and brings something fresh to the Knutsford scene.”

Photo Credit Lee Boswell Bahattin Atar of The Market Cafe

The successful applicant will join an eclectic mix of established local businesses, including, The Market Café, Hot Cocoa, Market Hall Butcher, and York & Co. (The Grocer), Market Hall Barber, Slipped Discs, Cheshire Party Show, and Knutsford Mobile.

Knutsford Market Hall operates every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, as well as every Makers Market Sunday and during the Christmas markets.

Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to review the application process online knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/market-hall/trade

For further information or to discuss a proposal, please contact Sandra Curties at Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

9Mar2026

Millennium Bursary open for applications

Calling all second-year university students residing in Knutsford or Toft! Applications for the 2025 Knutsford Millennium Bursary are now open, offering a valuable £735 boost to your final year projects and dissertations.

This annual partnership between Knutsford Town Council and the Knutsford Lions has been supporting local students for over two decades, recognising academic merit and alleviating financial pressures during the crucial final year.

Whether students need funding for research materials, travel for fieldwork, or simply a helping hand with living expenses, the Millennium Bursary can make a real difference. Past recipients have used the award to access specialist software, conduct international research, and even purchase essential equipment for their projects.

The application process is straightforward. If you’re a second-year student with a term-time address in Knutsford or Toft, all you need to do is complete the application form on the Knutsford Town Council website and submit a written statement outlining your academic aspirations and how the bursary will help you achieve them.

Applications are open until 10^th April, so don’t miss this chance to secure additional support for your final year project or dissertation.

Applications can be completed at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/millennium-bursary

6Mar2026

Knutsford Music Festival Back for Summer 2026!

Knutsford Music Festival is back for summer 2026; now in its ninth year and it is set to be one of the best yet. The four-day event will take place from Thursday, 4^th June until Sunday 7^th June, offering an extensive line-up of live performances and cultural activities across the town.

BBC Radio presenter Mark Radcliffe has once again partnered with Knutsford Town Council to curate an exciting programme of folk nights as part of this year’s event.

A man stood between two women, holding their instruments - Violin, Guitar and Cello. — The Rip Roaring Success will be opening Knutsford Music Festival 4th June!

Two women leaning back to back against a tree. — The Rip Roaring Success will be opening Knutsford Music Festival 4th June!

The opening event on Thursday 4^th June will celebrate the rich traditions of Bluegrass folk music, a vibrant blend of old-time mountain music, blues, jazz, and square dance fiddle. Mark Radcliffe presents an evening with The Rip Roaring Success at Knutsford Little Theatre. Widely regarded as the hottest Western Swing band east of El Paso, The Rip Roaring Success are renowned for their energetic stage presence and crowd-pleasing performances. They will be supported by The Rye Sisters, an emerging duo celebrated for their rich harmonies and heartfelt songwriting.

Following it on Friday 5^th June, Mark Radcliffe presents Ranagri at St John’s Church. Ranagri are an award-winning Irish-English folk ensemble celebrated for their mesmerising blend of voices and traditional instrumentation, including flutes, whistles, harp, guitar, bouzouki, and bodhrán.

With five acclaimed studio albums, including the critically praised Tradition II, listed among Folk Radio UK’s Top 10 albums of the year, Ranagri have established themselves as one of the most exciting and innovative acts on the contemporary folk scene.

Their vibrant live performances have captivated audiences across the UK and Europe at prestigious festivals and venues such as the Cambridge Folk Festival, Bloom Festival in Dublin, Montelago Festival in Italy, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and The Union Chapel.

Jake O'Neill leaning against a truck outside on a sunny day — Jake O’Neill is headlining The Country Collective on the 6th June

On Saturday 6^th June Knutsford will host an intimate Country Collective Evening featuring two of the UK’s best country artists. Headlining is Jake O’Neill, who first captured national attention as a standout performer on The Voice UK, joining Tom Jones’s team and showcasing his talent under the guidance of one of music’s true icons. One of the UK’s most exciting emerging voices in country music, Jake O’Neill has earned multiple nominations at the 2024 British Country Music Awards, including Best Male Artist. He blends traditional country narratives with a contemporary edge, delivering soulful vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and dynamic live performances.

Jake O’Neill is supported by Outpost Drive, a dynamic country-rock band celebrated for their energetic live performances and rich, tight-knit harmonies. Combining the storytelling tradition of classic country with the driving edge of modern rock, Outpost Drive create a sound that is both heartfelt and electrifying and have quickly built a reputation as one of the most exciting emerging acts on the UK country scene.

On Sunday 7^th June Knutsford Market Hall will be host to an immersive Latino evening at the Market Hall. Ticket holders can enjoy the vibrant sounds of a Cuban two-piece band while learning dance moves from the talented instructors at Salsa Dance Cheshire, making for a night of music, rhythm, and fun.

Also on Sunday over at Knutsford Little Theatre, Mark Radcliffe presents True Foxes. True Foxes are set to take the stage in an unmissable performance, supported by the talented Edwina Hayes. Known for their captivating live shows and emotive songwriting, True Foxes promise an evening of rich melodies and heartfelt performances, with Edwina Hayes adding her signature warmth and charm to the night.

People in a hall dancing — Salsa dance Cheshire will be joing this years festival for an immersive Latino night

Tickets for these headline events go on sale on Monday 9^th March. Early bird tickets are available for one-week only, securing those quick of the marks 10% off ticket prices. Tickets can be purchased online at www.discoverknutsford.com/knutsford-music-festival

The full programme for the festival will be completed with Music on the Moor (Saturday 6^th June) a free, open-air event showcasing emerging local talent, alongside a programme of craft activities and workshops designed to engage audiences of all ages. A fringe festival featuring a mix of music will also take place across the bars, cafes, and restaurants of Knutsford.

3Mar2026

Evidence sought for right of way claim

Knutsford Town Council is starting the process of seeking to register ten new public rights of way across the town and needs help from path users to provide evidence.

The Town Council plans to submit a ‘Definitive Map Modification Order’ application to record ten well used routes. Often, historic public rights of way remain unrecorded despite long standing use by the community, and the need to register a path doesn’t get flagged until there is a threat to access.

The council is therefore working proactively to ensure that where evidence supports it, these routes are formally protected for future generations.

Whilst applications are quite straight forward, the process to amend the Definitive Map is detailed and can take several years to complete once submitted to Cheshire East Council. Recently Cheshire East Council considered an application submitted in 2021 to record a path from Bexton Lane, added the latest official path to the map.

Applications require the submission of robust evidence demonstrating continuous public use for a period of 20 years, alongside other historic evidence of their existence. The Town Council has identified ten paths which it believes would meet the legal tests and are not currently adopted highways or recorded public rights of way.

The first route, for which evidence is now being gathered, runs from Mallard Close over the railway to the entrance to Tatton Park.

The council is inviting residents and members of the public who have used this path over the past 20 years or more (i.e. since 2006 or before) to contact the Town Council on 01565 653 929 or enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk to obtain an evidence form. Statements, photographs, maps, or any historical documentation relating to the route may assist in supporting the application.

Town Mayor, Cllr Bryan Hartley said “This is a great opportunity to help preserve the route that has provided access into Tatton Park for the local community for many years. I would urge anyone who is able to support the application, to get in touch with the town council to obtain the evidence form”

The full list of routes the council plans to prepare evidence for is available at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/prow

2Mar2026

Wildlife Planting as part of Nature Action Plan

Volunteers have planted a new native hedge at St Helena’s Field on Longridge as part of the Knutsford Nature Action Plan. This has been followed by planting of trees and an orchard.

The hedge planting took place on 18^th February with a group of residents turning out to help Town Rangers Bob and Alfie get the hedge into the ground. The hedgerow, which will be maintained at 1m high to maintain views across the open space, comprises a mix of native hedging plants including hazel, hawthorn, dog rose, dogwood and alder. The alder has mainly been planted at the boggy Higher Downs end of the field to also help with drainage.

Hedges are a vital wildlife habitat and provide shelter and food for a range of mammals, birds and invertebrates. Even low hedges, such as the one planted, will provide a range of ecological benefits and enhance local wildlife corridors.

Additional tree planting was undertaken by the Town Council’s Town Rangers with a selection of native UK trees, including more Alder, Downy Birch and Oak, being planted to enhance the natural environment. A small community orchard was also planted near the Adelaide Heath Academy side of the green.

The proposals for St Helena’s Field were subject to community consultation in 2025 and the council will explore the implementation of additional measures put forward in that consultation, such as installing benches, later this year.

The planting was delivered as part of the Town Council’s Nature Action Plan which aims to make Knutsford better for wildlife and support biodiversity. Over the last six years the town council has planted trees, created wildlife meadows and raised awareness of population decline, such as through the Bee Trail launched in 2025.

The tree and hedge planted was funded by United Utilities, who joined volunteers to help with the planting. The orchard was funded by Bentley Manchester.

The council’s next activity for its Nature Action Plan is the launch of it’s 2026 wildlife campaign focused on Frogs and Pondlife with a special event taking place on the Moor on 21^st March.

26Feb2026

Council to discuss sale of 60 King Street

The Assets and Operations Committee of the Town Council has recommended to Full Council that the freehold of 60 King Street be sold.

Over the past year, the Town Council has been working with Bruntwood to explore options that enable the council to retain ownership of the building and secure third party investment for a commercial use of the building. In March 2025, it was agreed to explore an alternative option where the upper floors would
be converted to residential use with the ground floor restored to a commercial use. Following engagement with the Cheshire East Council Conservation Officer and a number of prospective partners, all interested parties except one withdrew interest. At the February Assets and Operations Committee meeting, the committee considered the output of this work and met with the company which had submitted a proposal. It was considered that the proposal was not sufficiently detailed such
that it could confidently be considered viable.

The committee concluded that during the last seven years all viable options for the council retaining
ownership of the building had been explored and that there was no alternative than to put the building on the market.

Chair of the Assets and Operations Committee, Cllr Peter Coan said “60 King Street is the town’s most iconic building and over the last seven years, we have sought to find a viable solution that enabled it to remain publicly owned. Whilst trying to secure investment to restore it we have suffered the covid lockdown and a subsequent downturn in investor interest. Regrettably, this option has not been possible.”

“Our Assets and Operations Committee has resolved to recommend to Full Council that it authorises the sale of the asset; this will be discussed at the council meeting on Monday 2nd March and subject to approval we will engage a commercial agent to market the property and invite tenders for its purchase.”

“We will continue to update the community as decisions are made.”

The recommendation to sell the building will be discussed at the Full Council meeting on Monday 2nd March. The agenda for the meeting is available here and the meeting will be livestreamed via Zoom and Facebook.

19Feb2026

Knutsford Market Hall welcomes small businesses!

Knutsford Market Hall is offering the opportunity for affordable pop-ups for small businesses, artisans, and makers.

Following refurbishment last year, Knutsford Market Hall has an open central area for table-top traders, with stalls just £20 per day. By offering these competitive rates, the Market Hall provides a low-risk platform for digital-first brands or home-based creators to test the high street and connect face-to-face with the Knutsford community. The initiative utilises the newly created central space in the Market Hall, specifically designed during last year’s renovation to accommodate flexible events and casual traders. Successful applicants will join a vibrant family of established independents, including the likes of The Market Café, York & Co. – The Grocer and Slipped Discs.

“The Town Council is proud to provide the Market Hall as a launchpad for small businesses,” says Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager and Market Officer. “By offering these £20 pop-up slots, we’re inviting the next generation of Knutsford traders to bring something fresh to the hall without the pressure of high overheads. Whether you’re a jeweller, or a craft maker, we want to see your talent in our central hub.”

The £20 rate includes a table, waste and WIFI with the market ideally located on Silk Mill Street straddling King and Princess Streets offering great visibility to residents and visitors. The pop-ups are available on all market trading days – Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and each Makers Market Sunday.

Lee Bosworth capturing some of the pop-ups at last year’s launch on May 10th, 2025

Small businesses interested in a “Startup Pop-Up” slot are encouraged to apply via the official Knutsford Town Council website at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/market-hall/trade. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis to ensure a diverse and exciting mix of products for shoppers and must compliment not compete with the permanent traders.

Knutsford Market Hall particularly welcomes applications from the following sectors as it wishes to host specialist markets on each Saturday as follows:

Homes and Gardens
Childrenswear and Toys
Food and Drink
Menswear and Womenswear

For more information, contact the Town Centre Manager at 01565 653 929 or email sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

16Feb2026

Volunteers thanked at celebration of volunteering

Volunteers involved in supporting the local community were thanked by Knutsford Town Council at a volunteer appreciation event on Wednesday 28^th January at Knutsford Market Hall.

The event brought together members of the local community to recognise and celebrate the valuable contributions of volunteers.

The event welcomed over 50 volunteers and was designed to highlight the dedication and positive impact of volunteers working across the local area. Guests included community members and volunteers, with Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley thanking volunteers for their continued commitment, noting the difference their time and effort make to individuals and organisations alike. Bryan shared insights from his time in office on the importance of volunteering and its role in strengthening local communities.

Jeanette Hine, Knutsford Town Council’s Corporate Support Manager, said “This event was about showing our appreciation for everyone involved with volunteering and an opportunity to thank all those who selflessly support others and the council activity throughout the year”.

Photo by Knutsford Beer Festival Left to right Paul Buttrick (Knutsford Lions) Andrew Molloy and Nicola Arnell (Knutsford Beer Festival)

The event concluded with informal networking, allowing attendees to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the spirit of volunteering within the community.

Margaret Hacking, Chairman of Knutsford Talking Newspaper said “Many thanks to everyone at the Town Council who organised and worked so hard at the event last night. What a nice idea to have all the volunteer and community groups together. It was lovely, thank you”.

Bridget Knight from Knutsford Hosts said “I just wanted to thank the Town Mayor and Town Council for such a pleasant evening for Knutsford volunteers. It was a lovely opportunity to meet others and chat!”

12Feb2026

Giovannis joins Taste Knutsford

One of Knutsford’s most enduring and beloved dining spots, Giovanni’s, has officially Knutsford’s official food tour – Taste Knutsford.

Located at the iconic Tatton Park end of King Street, the authentic Italian restaurant has long been a favourite for locals and visitors alike. By joining the tour, they offer an Italian flavour to tour guests.

“We are delighted to welcome Giovannis as the newest recruit to our tour.” said Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager for Knutsford Town Council and tour organiser. “The restaurant is located in a beautiful building close to Tatton Park and offers Italian dishes we know our guests will love.”

Mario Zico, manager, said “We are Knutsford’s only truly independent Italian restaurant, and we are delighted to join the Taste Knutsford family. We are looking forward to offering tour guests a flavour of Italy as one of the lunch stops. Of course, this will be accompanied with a side order of Italian charm and service!”

Taste Knutsford was established in 2018 with the aim of promoting the town’s independent food scene. The tour runs once a month on a Saturday between February and November, with guests typically visiting around seven participating venues in a single tour.

Joining the Tour: Independent hospitality establishments looking to join the tour can contact Sandra Curties – Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

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 run from November to March.

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