Two ladies standing with cakes

Knutsford at Home

Knutsford was a mini ‘Ideal Home Exhibition’ on September 16th, with its home and interior design shops hosting its second Knutsford at Home Event.

The event was a collaboration between home and interior shops and businesses in the town centre and coordinated by Knutsford Town Council. It offered shoppers a ‘menu of inspiration’ including talks from artists such as Diane Marsland in Holly Johnson Antiques, a Fired Earth pop-up in Detaljer plus Farrow and Ball talks from the Arthur Lee team.  The full list of shops taking part was Aperture Doors, Arthur Lee Interiors, Detaljer, The Flock of Arts, Havwoods, Holly Johnson Antiques, Kendal Quality Carpets, Oka, Sofas and Stuff, Susie Watson Designs and Terzetto Stone.

Holly Johnson co-owner of Holly Johnson Antiques said, “This was our second Knutsford at Home event and our most successful! Having Diane Marsland as our artist in residence for the day proved a real draw with guests finding her talks informative and inspiring. We also enjoyed watching customers both new and existing enjoy our showroom and its range of antiques.”

Lyndsey Dyson, of Havwoods, said: ‘’At Havwoods we really valued the Knutsford at Home event, and meeting with both new and existing customers discussing our latest flooring and cladding collections. Many visited our showroom and the Routemaster bus on the day, and we felt there was a great atmosphere present.’’

Lillie Carter of King Street newcomer Aperture Luxury Doors said, “This was an exceptional event by Knutsford Town Council. It’s great to be part of a community where we support each other as businesses to keep Knutsford at the forefront of retail.”

Sandra Curties, Knutsford Town Council’s Town Centre Manager, said, “These events are all about promoting Knutsford as a destination shopping venue and offering a bespoke shopping experience that cannot be replicated online.  We loved the way our shops worked together and seeing visitors mapping out their day using the flyers was fabulous.  We look forward to a better and bigger event next year.”

Man with products from stall

Digby and Champ new stall holder at Knutsford Market Hall

A speciality dog stall Digby and Champ has opened within Knutsford Market Hall.

The stall offers everything dog owners and their dogs could ever need or want! On offer is a gorgeous range of treats, chews, toys, clothes, grooming products, and accessories.  Digby and Champ are already established in Chester Market Hall, and this is their second venture.

Will Mason, owner said, “We are delighted to join Knutsford Market Hall and have received a warm welcome from both traders and residents.  We know Knutsford is such a dog friendly town and we are looking forward to meeting all its four-legged friends.  We stock everything a dog and dog owners could possibly want so do pop in!

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are delighted to have Digby and Champ join our Market Hall family. The stall looks fantastic with a great range of products that will appeal to all the dog owners of Knutsford and beyond!”

Knutsford Market Hall is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.   Traders are as follows – Kanom Thai, Med Olives, The Market Butcher, M&J Cards, Jonty’s Fruit & Veg, The Market Café, The Market Hall Barber, Slipped Discs and Nyx Cat Crystals.

man with shop products
Group of people with their Flower in Wallwood design

Flowers in Wallwood display

Visitors to Knutsford Town Centre will find a vibrant display of unique flowers decorated by children from Knutsford’s schools and nurseries and residents of retirement homes as the Town Council’s third Flowers in Wallwood display.

The flowers were crafted by Knutsford Town Ranger Bob Garner from sustainable materials and one flower was provided to each of the participating schools, nurseries, and retirement homes in Knutsford and surrounding villages. The initiative was funded through sponsorship from The Tea Room and Detaljer.

The flowers have been decorated in a style reflecting the RHS theme of Senses. Participants were innovative in decorating the flowers in to reflect each sense making them both a joy to look at and hear.

The display has been installed in Wallwood, the council’s community woodland near the entrance to Tatton Park.  A small, photoshoot session led Tessa Harri Carroll photography took place on Tuesday 18th July with Knutsford Town Mayor Peter Coan, representatives from sponsors and many of those involved in decorating the flowers. Town Ranger Bob Garner then ‘planted’ the flowers.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said: “It was lovely to see so many of those involved plus representatives from our two generous sponsors visit Wallwood for our little photoshoot. We had a great time celebrating the achievements of this project and admiring all the beautiful flowers. Everyone has put so much hard work into these creations from their and we are amazed at the level of thought, effort and creativity that has been put into every single flower.”

Sandra added: “A massive thank you must go out to our sponsors The Tea Room and Detaljer without whose support this project wouldn’t have been possible! It has been a real community effort and an exciting project to work on. We encourage everyone will take the chance to visit Wallwood and have a look at the wonderful display. We hope to be able to continue this project next year”.

The flowers will be in Wallwood until early September (weather dependent) after which they will be returned to the schools for permanent display. Can’t view them in person? Check out the Town Council’s Facebook page where you can view photos of the children’s’ efforts.

Group of people with Flowers in Wallwood and the Mayor
Town Ranger amongst the flowers at Wallwood

A feast for the senses as Flowers in Wallwood returns

Wallwood, the woodland area at the top of King Street in Knutsford, will soon be decked with decorated flowers for the third Flowers in Wallwood display.

Organised by Knutsford Town Council, the Town Ranger, Bob Garner crafts the flower bases out of sustainable materials. The flowers are then sent to local primary schools, retirement, and care homes to be decorated. The brief for this year’s creations is ‘The Senses’ to reflect the RHS theme for the flower show at neighbouring Tatton Park.

The designs will be unveiled at Wallwood on 18th July with a visit from the Mayor of Knutsford, Peter Coan. Afterwards the Town Ranger will ‘plant’ the flowers in Wallwood where they will remain on display throughout the summer.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said “We are excited to see how each participant has decorated their flower. In previous years, this initiative has created a wonderful decoration in Wallwood. We anticipate this year will be no different and the display will be well worth a visit.”

Sandra added “We are grateful to the sponsors of this display without whose support this project wouldn’t have been possible”

The installation has been sponsored by local independent businesses, Detaljer and The Tea Room.

Caterine Hooper from Detaljer said “We are delighted to be working together with The Tea Room to support this lovely community event. We can’t wait to see the results and look forward to visiting the display in Wallwood”

Harriet Henry from The Tea Room said “We have always loved to visit Flowers in Wallwood and are proud to sponsor this beautiful community exhibition”

AS group of people dining alfresco in Knutsford

Alfresco Dining returns to Knutsford Town centre this summer

Alfresco Dining returns to Knutsford Town Centre this summer

Five evenings of alfresco dining will take place in Knutsford over the summer through July, August and September.

Minshull Street will close to traffic along with parking bays on Princess Street on 21st July from 6pm until 10:30pm to allow for restaurants, bars and cafes to place tables and chairs outside for outdoor dining. On Saturday 22nd July, a section of King Street will be closed to traffic from 6pm to 10:30 pm. Minshull Street will be closed for a further three Saturdays, 29th July, 26th August, 16th September to host alfresco dining between 12noon and 10:30pm.

Knutsford Town Council has collaborated with town centre restaurants and cafes to organise the road closures and allow for large scale outdoor dining evenings throughout the summer. Amberon will be providing traffic management services and the roads will re-open at 10:30pm ready for the next day’s trading.

The first alfresco evenings on this scale in Knutsford took place in September 2021 as part of the Town Councils work supporting local business during post lockdown recovery.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “In 2021 we had a positive response to the alfresco evenings from customers and restaurants alike. We are excited to be able to bring them back for 2023.”

The Minshull Street and Princess Street closure takes place from 6pm to 10:30pm on Saturday 21st July and covers the following areas.

  • The entire length on Minshull Street
  • Selected parking bays on Princess Street
  • The section of Princess Street outside Lost & Found.

The King Street, road closure takes place on 22nd September from 6pm to 10:30pm and covers the following areas:

  • King Street from the junction with Church Hill to the junction with Minshull Street.

Minshull Street will also be hosting three afternoon sessions from 12pm to 10:30pm on July 29th, August 26th and September 16th. Amberon will provide traffic management services throughout each road closure.

The following venues will be providing alfresco dining or drinking tables from 6pm to 10.30pm –

Princess & Minshull Street (21st July)

  • Café on the Corner
  • Lost & Found
  • April’s Kitchen
  • Project 53
  • The Angel

King Street (22nd July)

  • Morgan Edwards
  • Gusto
  • Smokehouse and Cellar
  • King Street Kitchen
  • Piccolino
  • Wine and Wallop
  • Café on the Corner

Minshull Street (29th July, 26th August, 16th September)

  • Project 53

Sandra continues “These evening road closures provide additional outside space to venues for their customers to enjoy the amazing food and drink Knutsford offers while also enjoying the iconic surroundings of Knutsford town centre. We hope these sessions are busy and give the town centre a lively continental atmosphere during the summer months”.

Patrons are urged to contact their chosen venue direct to see whether they need to book a space in advance.  If the evenings are cancelled due to adverse weather, the cancellation will be announced across both Knutsford Town Council’s and the participating venues social media platforms.

Person with a Selection of Thai Food

Kanom Thai new stall holder at Knutsford Market Hall

A taste of Thailand can now be found in Knutsford, with Knutsford Market Hall welcoming its newest stallholder, Kanom Thai. The new trader, Kritsana Hatsadee offers an authentic selection of Thai cakes, pastries and desserts all handmade by Kritsana herself. This includes her signature moon cakes, a traditional Thai pastry.

Kritsana said “I am excited to be at Knutsford Market Hall and offer a snapshot of authentic Thai sweet treats. As a native of of Udon Thani, Thailand, I grew up learning from multiple generations of outstanding cooks and am proud to share my cuisine with the people of Knutsford”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are delighted to have Kritsana join our Market Hall family. With the addition of the dessert range from Kanom Thai, we have a dynamic and unique food offering in the market that is a must to experience”

Knutsford Market Hall is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.   Traders are as follows – Kanom Thai, Style Loft Boutique, Med Olives, Grandad’s Attic, The Market Butcher, M&J Cards, Jonty’s Fruit & Veg, The Market Café, The Market Hall Barber, Sabrina’s Baby Boutique, Radchester Garden Ornaments, Slipped Discs and Nyx Cat Crystals.

Group of people outside a restaurant in Knutsford

Family Fest added to Knutsford’s summer events calendar

A new family friendly event, Family Fest, is coming to Knutsford this summer taking place across the town’s shops, restaurants, and community spaces. The Town Council has collaborated with local businesses to organise a day jam packed with activities.

On the 5th August, attendees keen on sports can enjoy family workouts with Chris Nicklin of Nxstep Gym and join in a sledge track push Challenge at Nxstep Gym. There will also be a party time session full of party games and dancing hosted by Cheshire based party planner, Bunny Business at Charlton Lodge.

For the creatives, Knutsford Olde Sweet shop will be holding a fancy-dress competition, judged by Woody from Toy Story and Knutsford Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan, alongside free face painting. Mini and Moi will have craft workshops and hair braiding. There will also be a colouring competition judged by Buzz Lightyear at Hal Whittakers – colouring sheets can be collected during the week leading up to the event from Hal Whittakers or Sabrina’s Baby and Toddler Boutique.

For families who would like to slow down the pace there are story time sessions at Knutsford Library and Waterstones. Wine and Wallop will be screening the classic family film, Toy Story at their pop-up cinema.

Knutsford Fire Station will appear with their fire engine on Princess Street outside The Lost & Found (pending any emergencies). Families can view the fire engine and meet the fire fighters. At Lost & Found attendees can enjoy live music, street food plus there will be a family photographer available to take a family portrait.

Julia Chard owner of Knutsford Olde Sweetshop said “We are so excited about this summer event. Family Fest is full of fun activities for kids of all ages and interests. It’s great to be taking part in another fabulous Knutsford community event.”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said “There is so much in the programme for Family Fest and as most activities are free it is a brilliant purse friendly day out during the school holidays. For some activities spaces are limited so keep an eye on social media and look out for flyers with instructions for prior booking”

Businesses taking part include;

  • Nxstep Gym
  • Mini & Moi
  • Knutsford Olde Sweet Shop
  • Wine & Wallop
  • Hal Whittaker
  • Sabrina’s Baby & Toddler Boutique in Knutsford Market Hall
  • Waterstones Knutsford
  • Knutsford Library
  • Lost & Found
  • Bunny Business

The event is kindly sponsored by Bunny Business.

Picture of buildings in King Street Knutsford

Town Centre and Cross Town Conservation Area Reviews

Views are being sought on potential changes to two of Knutsford’s Conservation Areas under work being led by the Town Council.

Following the adoption of the Knutsford Neighbourhood Plan in 2019, Knutsford Town Council set out to meet its commitment to work with Cheshire East Council to review all the Town’s Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans. The aim is to ensure that all are up to date, reflective of the existing built environment, and relevant in the continued protection and enhancement of these heritage areas.

A consultant at Donald Insall Associates was appointed to undertake the conservation area reviews and engagement meetings and is now working on the Town Centre and Cross Town Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans.

In order to understand the views of people living locally the consultant will be holding drop-in sessions on Wednesday 5th July at 60 King Street (Kings Coffee House).

The sessions run from 12pm-1:30pm, 3pm-4:30pm and 5:30pm-6:30pm and provide a chance for residents, business owners and tenants, property owners and landlords, and anybody else interested in the special nature of these areas of Knutsford, a chance to ask our consultant questions, see some of the consultant’s findings and research, and provide views on how best to protect and manage the areas.

“These reviews will conclude our work reviewing the five existing conservation areas in the town and are part of our work to conserve the heritage of Knutsford” said Bob Allen, Planning and Facilities Officer Knutsford Town Council. “We encourage those interested in these two areas, particularly those who live or own property there, to attend these sessions, to find out more and share their views.

If you have any further questions about this consultation session, please contact the Planning and Facilities Officer, Bob Allen on 01565 653929

Knutsford Music Festival 2023 a Great Success

Knutsford’s own music festival took place last weekend for its sixth edition, bringing an array of concerts to venues across the town! The event was a scorcher too, as the sun shone over Knutsford for the festival weekend.

The festival, which was launched back in 2017 by Knutsford Town Council, returned between 8th – 11th June with a varied programme to please all musical tastes! Many of the events were free of charge and hosted in a variety of cafes and bars in the town centre.

A fantastic folk programme ran for its fifth year alongside BBC Radio’s Mark Radcliffe, who once again curated an outstanding programme of folk artists from the UK and beyond to entertain hundreds of attendees in St John’s Church and Knutsford Little Theatre.

Friday Night Blues was back for a second sell out event, after the event also sold out in 2022. Blues artists from near and far performed at the stunning Brook Street Chapel Hall to a captive audience.

Music on the Moor was back on Saturday 10th June, the festival’s free event on the Moor which brings four hours of live music and activities for all ages. The event featured eight local artists and bands who performed a variety of original material, as well as an African drumming workshop and a children’s arts and crafts workshop. More music hit the Moor on Sunday too, with free performances from City of Chester Brass Band and the Worleston School of Music.

Attendees were quick to praise the various events; Richard Wright spoke of Music on the Moor which featured the Northwich Uke Club, saying it “was brilliant – thanks to everyone who put this event on”. Mat O’Rourke enjoyed folk sensation Katherine Priddy, commenting “She was mesmerising, it was a fantastic night of music” whilst Lynn Moseley enjoyed the Budapest Café Orchestra closing the festival commenting “What a treat! Thank you”.

Fringe events including a beautiful harp concert in Knutsford Methodist Church, the Music Train from Chester to Knutsford which arrived at The Angel at King Street, as well as programmes of music all weekend inside the Lost and Found, the Courthouse and The Builders Arms ran alongside the main programme, filling the town with music for three days.

Alex Brown, Events Officer at the Town Council, said: “A huge thanks to everyone who was involved with the festival this year – it was a fantastic weekend once again with music in all corners of the town centre. Thanks again to Neptune Ltd, Slater & Gordon and Knutsford Hearing Centre for sponsoring the event and helping to make the weekend possible!”

The Town Council welcomes any feedback or suggestions for how the event can be improved for 2024. Simply email alex.brown@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk. To find out more about the other events organised by the town council, check out their events calendar on their website now: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/events-calendar

Picture of King Street

Town Centre and Cross Town Conservation Area Reviews

Following the adoption of the Knutsford Neighbourhood Plan in 2019, the Town Council set out to meet its commitment to work with Cheshire East Council to review all the Town’s Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plans. The aim is to ensure that all are up to date, are reflective of the existing built environment, and are relevant in the continued protection and enhancement of these heritage assets.

A consultant at Donald Insall Associates was appointed to undertake the conservation area reviews and engagement meetings. The consultant is currently working on the Town Centre & Cross Town Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.

In order to understand the views of people living locally the consultant will be holding drop in sessions for you to share your views and learn more about the project. This drop-in session will be held on Wednesday 5th July from midday until early evening. The drop-in sessions at 12noon – 1:30pm, 3pm – 4:30pm and 5:30pm -6:30pm will be held at 60 King Street to provide a chance for residents, business owners and tenants, property owners and landlords, and anybody else interested in the special nature of the town centre, a chance to ask our consultant questions, see some of the consultant’s findings and research, and provide views on how best to protect and manage the Town Centre Conservation Area.

If you have any further questions about this consultation session, please contact the Planning and Facilities Officer, Bob Allen on 01565 653929