News | Knutsford Town Council | Serving the Knutsford Community

25Mar2026

Knutsford Health & Wellness Week 2026 Brings the Community Together

Knutsford held its third week-long celebration of health and wellbeing this March. Organised by Knutsford Town Council, in collaboration with a range of the town’s health and wellbeing specialists, this year’s theme was ‘Nurturing Mind, Body and Soul’ with both residents and visitors enjoying a varied programme suitable for all ages, needs and abilities.

The week began with Re-Fresh Knutsford, a vibrant community fair at St John’s Church and Knutsford Methodist Church. Visitors explored a variety of local clubs, groups, volunteer opportunities, and wellbeing businesses and discovered new ways to get involved in the community.

The week highlighted how fortunate the town is to have such a wide range of health and wellbeing businesses on its doorstep, offering services and support that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike throughout the year.

Rodger Lewin from Knutsford Hearing Centre

Sign of Refresh Knutsford with blue and white ballons.

An arrangement of grapes, a smoothie, eggs

Womens Hormones talk at York & Co with speakers Monique Qureshi (Yoga Practitioner), Louise Carter (Dietician), Claire Milton (Womens Health GP), Claire Millington (Personal Trainer) and Lucy Norris (Presenter)

Throughout the week, participants took part in an exciting programme of free and discounted taster sessions, including Pilates, yoga, boxing, circuit training, massage, sound baths, and hypnotherapy. Health checks and screenings were also available, covering dry eye care, oral health, osteopathy, cardiovascular wellness, hearing tests, and musculoskeletal assessments. Specialist talks covered nutrition, menopause, infant and child food, posture, and relationship coaching.

Richard Clare, Managing Director of Clare & Illingworth Optometrists, the event’s sponsor, said:

“We were proud to support Knutsford Health & Wellness Week 2026. It was wonderful to see the community come together to explore a wide range of health and wellbeing opportunities, and we were delighted to be part of such an important initiative.”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council, added:

“Health & Wellness Week provided an excellent opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with local wellbeing services and activities. We are grateful to all the businesses who participated and helped make the week so enjoyable for the community.”

The Town Council would like to thank Clare & Illingworth Optometrists for sponsoring the event and all participating businesses for their contributions.

Businesses involved included:

Roberta Beauty Redefined
Elite Health
Clare & Illingworth Optometrists
King Street Dental
Casbah Fitness
Soul Reformer
NC Health & Wellness
Judi Quirke Hypnotherapy
Find Your Backbone
King Street Dental
Satya Sanctuary
Tor Nutrition & Guided Outdoor Adventures
Siân Winslade Relationship Coach
York + Co.
Nicola Parish – Non-Linear Movement Method® and Reiki Healing Meditation
Empower Dance
Tomorrow Cardiovascular Wellness
K Clinic Dental
Knutsford Hearing Centre
Stable Minds
Carmichael Clinic of Physiotherapy & Acupuncture
Helen Jones Nutrition

25Mar2026

Knutsford Bunny Hop Returns for a day of family fun.

Families are invited to hop into Knutsford Town Centre this Easter for the return of the much-loved Knutsford Bunny Hop, taking place on Saturday 4 April 2026.

The annual Easter trail will see children and families exploring the town centre in search of hidden bunnies, each displaying a letter. Participants note the letters on their entry form and once completed, post it into one of the dedicated Bunny Hop post boxes to be entered into a prize draw. Entry forms can be collected from

The Bunny Hop has become a firm favourite in Knutsford’s events calendar. The event was originally created by a group of local residents alongside its ‘sister’ event the Knutsford Pumpkin Path, before being taken on by Knutsford Town Council in 2018. The Council has organised the event ever since.

Taking place between 12pm and 4pm, there will be plenty of fun to enjoy across the town centre alongside the trail. Families can look forward to activities and games at the Market Hall on Silk Mill Street, competitions, Easter displays in the town and more. Expect to see creative costumes, beautifully decorated shop windows and lots of Easter cheer throughout the town.

Attendees can also bring along their Easter bonnets and take part in the Easter Bonnet Competition, held opposite Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe. The competition will be hosted by shop owner Julia and judged by the Mayor of Knutsford from 12.30pm on the day. All participants will receive a small gift for taking part, with prizes awarded for first place and runners-up for the best bonnet.

This year’s theme is Peter Rabbit & Friends, so visitors are encouraged to dress up and join in the fun.

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

“The Bunny Hop is always such a joyful day in Knutsford and it’s wonderful to see families exploring the town and supporting our fantastic local businesses. The Peter Rabbit & Friends theme is perfect for Easter and we’re really looking forward to seeing everyone’s costumes and the town buzzing with excitement.”

Many of Knutsford’s amazing local businesses will also be taking part. Look out for ‘Bunny Hop Friendly’ posters in shop windows to find businesses offering special promotions, activities and giveaways during the event.

The Bunny Hop is kindly sponsored by Waitrose, Clare & Illingworth, Piccolino and Linden Stores whose generous support helps make the event possible.

The event takes place casually across the town centre and roads will remain open, so parents and guardians are asked to ensure children are always supervised while enjoying the trail.

For enquiries about the event, please contact enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929 or visit www.discoverknutsford.com.

17Mar2026

Pondlife event to launch year of action

Residents are invited to find out more about what they can do to support wildlife that depends on ponds.

On Saturday 21^st March from 2pm-4pm, Knutsford Town Council is launching its year of action for Frogs and Pondlife. After 2025 focused on pollinators, 2026 will be seeing a programme of activity aiming to encourage residents to create ponds and support the wildlife that depends on them.

The event is being held close to World Frog Day (20^th March) which raises awareness about the vital ecological role of frogs and the urgent need to protect them from threats like habitat loss, climate change, and pollution.

Visitors can hear from local ecologists about why garden ponds are the one of the most effective ways to support biodiversity and find out how simple and safe creating a pond in your garden can be.

Two competitions will be launched, a children’s art competition and a Knutsford Ponds competition with the event offering a chance to find out more about how to enter and the prizes on offer.

Knutsford Bake Club are busy this week baking to support the event, so expect some delicious homemade cake. Also on hand will be colouring and crafts, and facepainting for young visitors! The council will also be handing out special ‘pond diaries’ for children to track the progress of their aquatic adventure.

Deputy Town Clerk, Bob Allen said “Our Nature Action Plan is about making Knutsford a sanctuary for wildlife. We’ve seen incredible community engagement with our pollinators last year, and now we want to see the town ‘dive in’ to help our amphibians. Whether you have space for a sunken bucket or a full-scale pond, every pond can foster a host of wildlife”

16Mar2026

Smoke Knutsford Joins The Town’s Voucher Scheme

One of Knutsford’s newest dining spots, Smoke Knutsford, has officially joined the growing list of local businesses accepting the Knutsford Voucher.

Located in Princess Street, the day to night venue opened in November 2025 and has quickly become a firm favourite amongst both residents and visitors.

The relaxed dining venue serves coffee, brunch, small plates, and curated wines from morning to late often accompanied by live music. George, owner, said “We are delighted to be part of the voucher scheme. It’s a fantastic initiative that encourages people to ‘eat indie’ while providing a versatile gift option. We look forward to welcoming voucher holders to enjoy Smoke’s hospitality very soon”

The scheme, which launched in 2020, now boasts over 50 participating businesses. Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager for Knutsford Town Council, noted the programme’s impressive growth,

“When we launched in 2020, we couldn’t have predicted just how much the community would embrace it. Today, the voucher (complete with a gift card) is a wonderful gift for all ages. It’s a point of pride that you can now use it for everything from a traditional Italian dinner, tapas, toys, and sweets!”

Vouchers can be purchased via the Discover Knutsford website or in person at the Town Council offices. Each voucher comes with a gift card, and 100% of the value goes directly back to the local business.

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.

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