The crib near Lost and Found at Christmas

Mayor’s Christmas Message from Cllr Peter Coan

Throughout this year I have been continually humbled by the passion and generosity of our community. We are a resilient and strong town, and I want to thank everyone for their community spirit and kindness. That’s what sets this place apart and makes Knutsford such a fantastic place to live.

As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, we know this year will bring particular challenges for families trying to cope with the increased cost of living and rising fuel bills. Internationally, many face even more daunting conditions. We should all embrace the Christmas message of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all Mankind.

Christmas is also about celebrating a message of hope for a brighter future.

I would like to extend my personal thanks and greetings to those who continue to look after us, and keep us safe, particularly throughout the festive period – Police, health staff, Fire Service, and carers. Thank you, for all, that you do.

A special thanks to the many wonderful people across our network of voluntary organisations, who give their time and effort to bring cheer to those who’s Christmas can be particularly difficult or lonely.

Without this fantastic network of our voluntary organisations, life would be so much poorer in Knutsford and they deserve our support for their work in the community.

As Mayor I am honoured to have met so many inspiring people this year.

As I look forward to 2024 it’s with a renewed sense of love and appreciation for all those family, friends, and colleagues that I am so lucky to have around me. I simply couldn’t do it without you all.

May Christmas be a time of good cheer, companionship, and celebration, for you, and those you love.

I would like to wish you all, a very happy and healthy Christmas and a peaceful and positive New Year. And as we encounter our townsfolk take a moment to smile at each other.  

The Town Mayor wears a santa hat and mayoral chain in front of a group of local traders

It’s a wrap on town centre Christmas countdown

Counting down to Christmas this year was a special virtual advent calendar featuring an assortment of local independent businesses.

The shop local advent calendar was published daily on the Town Council’s social media with each video promoting what you can find in Knutsford Town Centre, from the latest children’s toys at Hal Whittaker to Georg Jensen champagne coolers from Serenity Designs. Each video aimed to put on display what shoppers can find in the shops on their doorstep and encourage people to think local first.

Speaking in the final video, released on Christmas Eve, Mayor of Knutsford Cllr Stewart Gardiner thanked the town for supporting local businesses He said “We have a fantastic group of independent traders here in Knutsford who give the town its character; thank you for supporting them through the pandemic, throughout 2021 and we all hope you continue to shop here in knutsford in 2022”

The campaign was one of a number of initiatives developed by outgoing Town Centre and Marketing Officer, Sandra Curties, as part of the Town Council’s commitment to supporting the town centre and local business. The council is currently recruiting for a new Town Centre and Marketing Officer, so if you have ideas you think could help drive footfall to Knutsford why not apply for the role.

Here’s the final video, view the rest on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

a man stands in a window holding a small santa

Hunt is on for Santa

Children are being urged to look out for Santa this Christmas, as he has been seen hiding in shop windows. Santa in the Shop is a new festive trail running throughout advent – from 1st to 24th December.

The Santa in the Shop trail is brand new for 2021, with families encouraged to find a Santa (along with a festive message or Christmas Cracker joke) hidden in twelve of Knutsford shop’s Christmas windows.  Entry forms can be picked up from Knutsford Library, Market Hall, Council Offices, and selected shops. When completed, the form can be dropped off at Santa’s special post box in Little Waitrose. All correctly completed forms will be entered into a prize draw with the winners announced in early January.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre and Marketing Officer at Knutsford Town Council said: “This is a sweet and easy trail for Christmas, a great way of exploring our beautiful town and enjoying the Christmas lights and festive windows.  We hope families enjoy spotting our little Santas!”

If visiting the town centre by car do not forget there is free parking on Saturday 4th December 11th December and 18th December from 10 am in Silk Mill, King and Princess Street car parks.