News | Knutsford Town Council | Serving the Knutsford Community

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

12May2025

Knutsford Market Hall Unveils Stunning Refurbishment

The much-loved Knutsford Market Hall officially re-opened its doors on May 10^th after a significant refurbishment, its first major upgrade since the 1980s.

The revitalised space, part funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund has created a brighter, warmer, and more inviting experience for traders, visitors, and residents.

Local contractor Built by Mode was contracted to deliver the programme of improvement works which included removing the old, suspended ceiling, levelling the floor and installing a new toilet, storeroom and kitchenette. All existing stall structures were removed and a new suite of permanent stalls created around the edge of the space, leaving the centre of the hall for pop-up traders and events.

Re-opening the market was one of the last duties carried out by outgoing Town Mayor, Cllr Colin Banks. Colin said, “I was delighted to formally re-open the market hall. It was wonderful to see the traders in their new stalls and welcome both familiar and new faces back to the market. The market is now a much more welcoming space offering customers a varied shopping experience in the heart of our town. Please shop small and local.”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “We are delighted that the market has re-opened and is now a warm more comfortable space for our traders and customers alike. Over the coming months, we hope to host a number of additional pop-ups and events, and we urge everyone to visit the hall and discover what is new.”

The newly re-opened market hall welcomes new ventures such as Polka Bakery, Thai Kitchen and Cheshire Party Store. These have joined familiar faces such as The Market Café, Market Hall Barber, Slipped Discs, Market Hall Butcher and Deli, and Knutsford Mobile.

Left to Right Nok Waugh Mina Ponpuak Amelia Giblin Bee Gibb Of Thai Kitchen

a Corner of the Market hall showing Mike Oldham and Mike Brown of Market Hall Butcher

Cheshire Party Store is the new venture of Simon and Melanie Naylor of the Knutsford Art and Stationery Shop.

Sandra added “The Town Council is proud to provide the Market Hall as a space to support small businesses. By offering competitive rents, the market hall provides a valuable platform for businesses to grow without the high overheads of a high street location. We invite anyone interested in trading with us to get in touch.”

The central section of the market can also be hired by small businesses offering a variety of choice to the consumer. During the launch this space was utilised by Flower and Twine Co, The Kokedama Llama, A Passion for Learning, Made with Love by Lise, and Hot Cocoa. Hot Cocoa hopes to have regular pop-ups in the market hall pending her move to new premises on King Street. The hall can also be hired for events, community and interest groups outside of trading hours.

The Town Council is currently looking for a new fruit and veg stall operator as Heathfields, who previously traded from the space, decided not to return to the new market hall.

Knutsford Market Hall is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am.

If you wish to trade at the market hall you can apply here – https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/market-hall/trade

12May2025

Flash Fashion returns to the Catwalk this Saturday!

The wait is over – Flash Fashion Knutsford is back this Saturday 17^th May bringing style and excitement to the town as independent boutiques and fashion shops present their Spring/ Summer collections at The Lost & Found.

Organised by Knutsford Town Council this much-loved, daylong event also features pop-ups and in-store experiences throughout town. The event kicks off at 11am at The Lost & Found with a fashion show spotlighting the latest seasonal trends from local boutiques. The show will be introduced by event sponsor and Knutsford based stylist Laura Davies and compered by ITV presenter and owner of Dexter & Jones, Katie Rickitt.

Launched in 2019, Flash Fashion has become a highlight of the local calendar, celebrating the creativity and flair of Knutsford’s independent fashion scene. Last year’s event drew crowds in full force with this weekend’s event expecting a similar response.

Participating stores include

Kanoa Living
Cocaranti
Redress at Dexter and Jones
Blossom Boutique
Paris Ladies Boutique
Bare Necessities
Willow Boutiques
Chalk 33
Milania Boutique
Roberta Beauty Redefined
Zapatos
Clare and Illingworth
L ’Atelier London
Lanigan and Hulme
The British Red Cross
The Edit
Satya Sanctuary
Children’s Adventure Farm

Laura Philipson, Town Event Manager at Knutsford Town Council said “We are so excited to see Flash Fashion return to Knutsford this weekend. There is such a buzz in town that day and it’s a brilliant chance to visit Knutsford and discover the independent shopping scene”

Roberta Dyer from Roberta Beauty Re-Defined said “I love this event. I take part in the fashion show as a model which is so much fun! Then afterwards I am offering beauty treatment tasters in both Claire & Illingworth and Willow Boutiques. It is certainly a day not to be missed in Knutsford” For further details on the event follow Discover Knutsford on both Facebook and Instagram. More details can be found at www.discoverknutsford.com/events.

8May2025

Knutsford Bee Day to launch new bee trail

A bee-centric event is taking place on the Moor next Saturday as part of World Bee Day.

Knutsford Town Council is hosting the event from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 17^th May ahead of World Bee Day on 20^th May.

The event will feature talks from Chester University on biodiversity and Manchester Bee Sanctuary will be giving talks about our most prolific pollinators – the bees!

Knutsford Bake Club are running a bee-themed bake sale with organic cordials and children can also hunt out the different bees hiding around the Moor. The event will also launch a new photographic competition being run in conjunction with Knutsford Photographic Society.

The event is to mark the launch of the Knutsford Bee Trail, a new 3.4mile circular walk designed to promote awareness of the importance of pollinators. The Knutsford Bee Trail is being officially launched by Esther McVey MP and the new Mayor of Knutsford.

Visitors to the Bee Day event will also be able to find out more about the practical steps they can take to support pollinating insects like bees and contribute to the Knutsford ‘Bee a Hero’ Pledge Board. The first 100 attendees will receive a packet of wildflower seeds to grow their own pollinator patches at home, and visitors can be in with a chance of winning a bee hotel for their garden. There will also be some pollinator colouring to do, and the chance to find out more about pollinators, including which everyday foods would be affected by a continued decline in pollinators across the world.

The event will also be the first place to pick up a map of the new 3.5 mile Knutsford Bee Trail walk.

“This event is all about raising awareness of what we can all do to support pollinating insects which are vital to our ecosystem and our food supply, and it launches our exciting new permanent bee trail too” said Cllr April Johnson, lead member of the town council’s Nature Action Plan.

“There are so many practical things we can all do in our town to make a huge difference to wild bees and other pollinators. We want them to thrive here. We look forward to seeing you there and together as a town pledging to do more to support our bees”

The Knutsford Bee Trail will be launched at the event and a route map available from the Town Council website from Saturday.

2May2025

Town Awards celebrates community heroes

The community spirit of Knutsford was celebrated on Wednesday night with the presentation of the annual Town Awards at Knutsford Little Theatre.

The awards, which were introduced in 2013 and are sponsored by the Forum of Private Business, celebrate the work of the local residents, businesses and groups that make Knutsford such a special place to live, work and do business.

Stable Minds secured the first award of the evening, winning the 2025 Community Award for their support of mental wellbeing in the community. Their many nominations cited the benefit of the work they do and praised the opening of a new mental health walk-in centre.

The 2025 Youth Award went to Ella Williamson for her work volunteering with the Crosstown Community Orchard. Ella helps out at every event in the orchard getting stuck in setting the events up, serving food and packing back down at the end. Ella also volunteers regularly on the monthly work days to keep the orchard maintained.

Ella Williamson being presented with her award by the Mayor and Mayoress — *Youth Award winner Ella Williamson*

Di Healey, who runs two local choirs secured the 2025 Business Award. Through operating the choirs Di has raised several thousand pounds for charities and her choirs are a treasured part of many community events.

The inaugural Volunteer of the Year award went to Jenny Collis. Jenny has been a longstanding volunteer with Knutsford Heritage Centre, giving talks on local history to many groups as well as editing the monthly member’s journal. Jenny has also recently published her own book on the town’s history, donating 100% of the profits to Knutsford Heritage Centre.

A special award was made to Knutsford Little Theatre in celebration of their 100-year anniversary. Initially starting as the Knutsford Amateur Dramatic Society in 1925. The society purchased what is now Knutsford Little Theatre in 1949 and has grown to be a treasured part of the local community, putting on its own amateur dramatics productions and hosting a range of local events. Jim Broughton, Chair of the Little Theatre, was presented with a plaque to record the community’s appreciation to mark their anniversary.

The final presentations were the three Civic Awards, presented to an individual (or group of individuals) who stand out for the time they give to the community.

Ian Alibston was presented with the first Civic Award for his management of the Hope Central Foodbank where he coordinates volunteers and oversees the logistics of operating this vital facility.

Next up was Paul Langley who received a Civic Award in recognition of his wide support of community activity. Paul was a founding member of the Knutsford Beer Festival, has raised thousands for charity with his LOL Cheshire comedy nights and quietly helps out behind the scenes at many other community events.

Paul Langley receiving a town award — *Paul Langley won one of the three Civic Awards*

The final Civic Award for 2025 went to Cathryn Walley. Cathryn helped establish Friends of St John’s Wood in 2020 and has served as its chair since then. Cathryn also recently stepped down from long serving roles supporting Manor Park School, having served both as a Governor of the school and on the Manor Park School PTA, helping bring the school community together.

Town Mayor, Cllr Colin Banks said “The presentation of these awards was in the final two weeks of my time as Town Mayor and it was a wonderful way to close out the year. The dedicated service our winners, and all those shortlisted for awards, give to our community is truly inspiring. These awards serve to shine a light on these community heroes and hope to encourage more to follow in their footsteps”

30Apr2025

Six joins Taste Knutsford food tours

Six Knutsford, the vibrant new hospitality venue located in Silk Mill Street, has announced its participation in both the Taste Knutsford food tour and the Knutsford Voucher scheme.

Opened in September by the Mitchell family in the former Freemason’s building, Six Knutsford has quickly established itself as a popular addition to the town’s thriving hospitality scene. The venue boasts a diverse offering, including a curated selection of craft beer, an impressive range of cocktails and wines, and regular live music nights. Its recently developed outside space features an outdoor bar and a private room available for private hire.

Steve Mitchell, owner of Six Knutsford, commented, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the warm welcome we’ve received since opening in September and already feel like a valued part of the Knutsford community.

The Knutsford Voucher scheme is a fantastic initiative and, importantly, comes at no cost to our business. We encourage anyone who has received or purchased vouchers to pop in and enjoy our offerings, perhaps for a delicious bite to eat during their shopping trip!”

Six Knutsford’s contribution to the Taste Knutsford food tour will be a selection of their popular small plate menu. Steve added, “This is another excellent tourism initiative for the town. Knutsford truly is the culinary capital of mid-Cheshire, and we are excited to participate in our first food tour.”

The Knutsford Voucher scheme, launched in 2020, currently has 45 participating businesses, providing a convenient way for locals and visitors to support the town centre. Taste Knutsford has been delighting tourists and residents since 2018 with its monthly guided food tours. These tours, lasting approximately three hours, showcase a variety of independent eateries and provide a taste of Knutsford’s diverse culinary landscape.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Six Knutsford to both the voucher scheme and Taste Knutsford. The voucher scheme complements any individual voucher programmes our businesses may run and offers another fantastic way to experience the diverse retail and hospitality offerings within our town centre. Taste Knutsford provides a wonderful introduction to our independent restaurants, bars, and cafes, and we are confident that Six will 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.

25Apr2025

New live painting event hits Knutsford this summer

Paint Knutsford!, a new open-air painting event from Knutsford Town Council, launches this summer

On the 17^thof August the live exhibition will give professional and amateur artists the opportunity to showcase their skills across the town centre, bringing art to life.

Artists will have the day to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art in a chosen location in Knutsford’s historic town centre.

The call is now out for artists to sign up to take part. Entry is £15 and artists can register at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/events/paint-knutsford.

On the day, they will have their blank canvas stamped at Knutsford Market Hall before going off to their chosen location to set up their ‘studio’ for the day. All artists will return to the Market Hall to have their piece of art displayed for a panel of judges and be in with a chance of winning a cash prize.

Visitors will be able to pick up a map of where the artist will be located and get to see art created in real time.

Entry for artists closes on 18 July 2025.

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.

24Apr2025

Town Awards 2025 Shortlist Announced

The shortlist for the 2025 Knutsford Town Awards has now been announced, with residents invited to attend the Town Meeting and Town Awards Presentation on Wednesday 30^th April at 7pm in Knutsford Little Theatre.

The Town Awards are run by Knutsford Town Council and were first held in 2013. The awards have been sponsored by the Forum of Private Business since they were launched.

Five individuals have been shortlisted for the Civic Award. Each year three awards are made under this category, which recognises the contribution of individuals to the community. This year’s nominees are:

Ian Albiston for voluntary work with Hope Central
Amanda Gamble for voluntary work at The Welcome
Paul Langley for supporting a wealth of community activity
Peter Sharratt for voluntary efforts around the Heath
Cathryn Walley for leading roles in Friends of St John’s Wood and formerly Manor Park School PTA and a governor of Manor Park School

Three young people have been shortlisted for the 2025 Youth Award. Like the Civic Awards this goes to an individual for their work in the community and is open to those aged 21 and under. This year’s nominees are:

Isabelle Foster for volunteering with 7^th Knutsford Brownies
Hattie Southall for clearing flood water on Boothfields
Ella Williamson for volunteering at the Crosstown Community Orchard

A new category was introduced this year which was only open for nominations from organisations for their own volunteers. The Volunteer of the Year award will recognised exemplary volunteering for a specific organisation in 2024. Two nominations have been shortlisted for the inaugural award:

Taf Evans (Crosstown Community Orchard)
Jenny Collis (Knutsford Heritage Centre)

The Community Award goes to a community organisation to recognise the work they do in the community. Three organisations are in the running to take home the shield in 2025:

Hope Central
Knutsford Little Theatre
Stable Minds

The final award will be the Business Award which recognises a business which gives back to the local community. Three have been shortlisted this year:

Holly Smith of The Legh Arms for providing free Christmas meals for those who might be alone
Di Healey for supporting the community through her community choirs
Morgan Edwards for supporting local fundraising initiatives

All are welcome (and encouraged) to attend the awards ceremony and show their support for the community, after which refreshments will be served.

Town Mayor, Cllr Colin Banks said “I am really looking forward to celebrating the work of our nominees at the award ceremony. People like our nominees are the lifeblood of our community and I urge you to join us and toast their success at the Knutsford Little Theatre”

The Town Awards are run by Knutsford Town Council and were first held in 2013. The awards have been sponsored by the Forum of Private Business since they were launched.

Ian Albiston for voluntary work with Hope Central
Amanda Gamble for voluntary work at The Welcome
Paul Langley for supporting a wealth of community activity
Peter Sharratt for voluntary efforts around the Heath
Cathryn Walley for leading roles in Friends of St John’s Wood and formerly Manor Park School PTA and a governor of Manor Park School

Isabelle Foster for volunteering with 7^th Knutsford Brownies
Hattie Southall for clearing flood water on Boothfields
Ella Williamson for volunteering at the Crosstown Community Orchard

Taf Evans (Crosstown Community Orchard)
Jenny Collis (Knutsford Heritage Centre)

The Community Award goes to a community organisation to recognise the work they do in the community. Three organisations are in the running to take home the shield in 2025:

Hope Central
Knutsford Little Theatre
Stable Minds

The final award will be the Business Award which recognises a business which gives back to the local community. Three have been shortlisted this year:

Holly Smith of The Legh Arms for providing free Christmas meals for those who might be alone
Di Healey for supporting the community through her community choirs
Morgan Edwards for supporting local fundraising initiatives

All are welcome (and encouraged) to attend the awards ceremony and show their support for the community, after which refreshments will be served.

23Apr2025

Knutsford to be part of nationwide beacon lighting

Knutsford will be joining towns and villages across the UK and commonwealth to mark the 80^th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday 8^th May with a commemorative service and beacon lighting.

2025 marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, a historic milestone marking the end of the Second World War in Europe. The evening service will pay tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of those who lived through the war, and to those who gave their lives in the fight for freedom. The service will be led by Knutsford Town Mayor, Cllr Colins Banks and his chaplin Rev Paul Deakin.

A memorial service will commence at 9:00pm at the Centennial War Memorial with a beacon being lit at 9:30pm as beacons are lit across the country.

For more information contact Gemma Jackson, Civic Events officer gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

3Apr2025

Flash Fashion Knutsford returns this spring

The highly anticipated Flash Fashion Knutsford is set to return this year on Saturday 17^thMay as Knutsford independent boutiques and fashion shops collaborate to showcase their Spring/Summer 25 collections in a fashion show at The Lost & Found.

Organised by Knutsford Town Council, this day-long event that also features pop-ups and events in stores, started in 2019 to highlight the wonderful collection of independent fashion retailers in Knutsford. The event has gained a loyal following in the past few years with last year’s fashion show at full capacity.

The day will kick off at 11am in Lost and Found with a fashion show featuring the latest looks from local boutiques, introduced by the event sponsor and Knutsford based stylist Laura Davies and compered by ITV presenter and owner of Dexter & Jones, Katy Rickitt. Attendees can then browse the shops and enjoy a variety of complimentary services in store including on-hand beauty treatments, a glass of fizz and exclusive offers.

Participating stores include

Kanoa Living
Cocaranti
Redress at Dexter and Jones
Blossom Boutique
Paris Ladies Boutique
Bare Necessities
Willow Boutiques
Chalk 33
Milania Boutique
Roberta Beauty Redefined
Zapatos
Clare and Illingworth
L ’Atelier London
Lanigan and Hulme
British Red Cross
The Edit
Satya Sanctuary

Michelle Samsa from Willow Boutiques said; “We are excited to be part of another fabulous Flash Fashion event. The fashion show at The Lost & Found always has such an amazing atmosphere. And the shop is always buzzing afterwards.”

Michelle continues “We can’t wait for the pop-up instore from Roberta Beauty Redefined where Roberta will join us from 3pm – 5pm offering revitalising Dermalogica hand massages.”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said “This event has gained quite the following over the years and we are excited to bring it back for 2025. The shops will have some fabulous Spring/ Summer collections instore so this day will be the perfect outing for customers to get inspired, plan their summer wardrobes and go shopping!”

Leaflets will be available from shops and eateries around Knutsford shortly to allow shoppers to plan their day. Details of the day can also be found on www.discoverknutsford.com

This event has been sponsored by Laura Davies Styling.

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