Community | Knutsford Town Council

9Aug2024

Alfresco Dining

The venues taking part in the final alfresco day of 2024 are hoping for a sunny August Sunday.

King Street (from after the junction with Church Hill to Egerton Place) will close to through traffic to allow the following venues participate in alfresco dining:

Rose and Crown
Gusto
King Street Kitchen
Wine and Wallop
Morgan Edwards
Smokehouse and Cellar

Ben Antoniak, General Manager of King Street Kitchen, said, ‘We are excited to take part in this event again. We are looking forward to greeting customers (new and existing) and offering our popular summer drinks and food menu. Last time the atmosphere was amazing so let’s hope the sun shines again!

Knutsford Town Council collaborated with local hospitality venues to organise four alfresco days for summer 2024. Two were for King Street venues and two for Minshull Street and outside the Lost and Found.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “These Sunday road closures provide additional outside space for our hospitality venues’ customers to enjoy the amazing food and drink Knutsford offers while also enjoying the iconic surroundings of Knutsford town centre. We hope August 18^th is busy and the town centre has a lively continental atmosphere.”

Sandra continues, “After each season we evaluate the programme with the venues and will plan for next year. We know the public would like more and if the venues agree (and the weather plays ball!) all we can say is watch this space. We do have factor in applying for road closure permission with Cheshire East and this does limit our flexibility to close roads when the sun is shining.”

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, Discover Knutsford, and the participating venues social media platforms.

8Aug2024

Knutsford Town Council recognises longstanding businesses

Knutsford Town Council has introduced a rolling programme to recognise Knutsford’s long-standing businesses. The retail recognition scheme celebrates businesses who have traded in the town from a minimum of five years to a 75+ “lifetime achievement” award.

Town Centre Manager Sandra Curties said “Knutsford is home to independent, regional and national names who each contribute to the vitality of our town centre. This programme recognises the importance of the achievement of staying on our high street, especially in our post-covid, online shopping times. This will be a rolling programme that hopefully continues for an extremely long time!”

The programme was launched at the end of July with a mix of businesses receiving the first certificates and window stickers from Town Mayor Cllr Colin Banks. Colin said, “I was delighted to present our first batch of business recognition awards. Of course, our high street has changed but it still offers both locals and visitors a vibrant mix of shops and services. Meeting local shop owners from Booths to Partners Hairdressing was a lovely way to spend a summer morning and I am looking forward to meeting more local shop owners over the coming weeks”

Amongst the first to receive their awards was Hal Whittaker, the Princess Street toy shop that first opened its doors in the post-war era. Owner Stuart Andrew said, “We are proud to be part of a family business that served the local community through the generations.”

Helen Dufton co-owner of Arthur Lee alongside sister Vicky Wragg said, “As soon as the Mayor left, we placed our sticker in the window! We love running our shop and know our parents will also be pleased with this recognition. We’ve been here since 1919 and even supplied LS Lowry with an armchair so if you haven’t visited us yet, please pop in.”

The programme recognises those who have traded in the town for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 75+ years. The certificates will be handed out over the coming months.

24Jul2024

Space Chickens to visit Knutsford Park

An open-air show of Space Chickens is headed to Knutsford this September as part of the Picnic in the Park event.

Earth’s unlikely hero: an adventurous chicken who is blasted into space to solve all our planet’s problems. Sounds ridiculous? Not for our heroic hen who will boldly go where no poultry has gone before…With stunning puppetry and original banjo synth music follow this rocket-fuelled tale all on top of a van. The show promises an intergalactic adventure from the henhouse to the milky way!

The Puppet Van has been confirmed for Picnic in the Park a new event from Knutsford Town Council that takes place on Sunday 22^nd September on St Helena’s Field (Longridge, adjacent to Adeleide Heath Academy). Picnic in the Park is a day of theatre, music and community.

Also joining us will be the brilliant Steel Drum Band, keeping everyone entertained in between performances and whilst they enjoy the other amazing activities on offer such as a Literary Tent, hosted by local author Kirsty Duncan.

A community picnic area will be set up in front of the stage and residents are encouraged to gather their friends, family, a blanket and chairs and enjoy a FREE fun day out for all the family!

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Colin Banks will be making a visit to the Bake Off Tent to judge the best birthday cake creation. Keep an eye on social media for full details of how to enter the cake baking competition to mark 50 years of Knutsford Town Council.

Knutsford Town Council will be working with the community to build a Bug Hotel and they will need everyone’s help to create a 5-star luxury experience for the visiting insects so be sure to drop by and give us a hand with the construction!

More and more activities are being confirmed with our brilliant local businesses and community groups. For updates follow Knutsford Town Council social media pages or email enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

26Jun2024

Another great year for Knutsford Music Festival!

Knutsford’s own music festival hit the town in June for 4 days of music for the 7^th year!

The festival, which was launched back in 2017 by Knutsford Town Council, returned between 13^th – 16th June with a varied programme to please a variety of musical tastes. Many of the events were free of charge and hosted in the cafes and bars in the town centre.

A fantastic folk programme ran for its sixth year, hosted by 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.

Saturday Night Blues was back for a second sell out event, after the event also sold out in 2022. Blues artists from near and far, including two UK Blues Award winners, performed at the stunning Knutsford Little Theatre to a captive audience.

Music on the Moor was back on Saturday 15^th 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 performance workshops from Noodle Performance Arts and craft activities from Love to Craft Mcr. Despite the weather the crowds were in great spirits. More music hit the Moor on Sunday too, with free performances from City of Chester Brass Band.

Fringe events including an electronic night at Detaljer, 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 Builders Arms and Evuna ran alongside the main programme, filling the town with music for 4 days.

As part of this year’s festival there was also the opportunity to engage in some Art themed events including workshops from CNC Cheshire, Olivia Goodwin Art and the sell out alcohol ink workshop from Steph Clare Art. The new Oil Art Advosry Gallery in town hosted works by the renowned photographer Scarlet Page, featuring iconic musicians.

Alex Molloy, Events Manager at the Town Council, said: “A huge thanks to everyone who got involved and supported this year’s events especially to the ticket buyers and attendees of Music on The Moor, the weather was against us, but the crowd were in great spirits! Thanks also goes to our sponsors this year Knutsford Hearing Cnetre, Ibiza Classics, Slater and Gordon and QV Skin care without which we would not have been able to produce the event! Here’s to 2025!”

The Town Council welcomes any feedback or suggestions for how the event can be improved for 2025. Simply email alex.molloy@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

6Jun2024

Knutsford Music Festival – Less than one week to go!

Knutsford Music Festival is finally upon us! After months of planning and excitement the doors will soon be open for our first gig, on Thursday 13^th of June followed by four days of fabulous music and community events with something to appeal to everyone!

Our Festival Gig Guides have been distributed around the town so be sure to pick up yours when you are out and about. Copies are also available in the foyer of the Town Council offices, so head on down and collect yours to plan your weekend. Alternatively, you can head to our website to download a copy and book tickets.

Returning this year are our ever-popular Folk music events curated by Mark Radcliffe, Saturday Night Blues and the free community event ‘Music on The Moor’. And, if that isn’t enough, the local venues of Knutsford have pulled together an epic line up for our fringe festival. It’s a weekend to remember, putting Knutsford on the music map!

Our festival opens Thursday 13^th June at Knutsford Little Theatre with Frankie Archer and Virginia Kettle’s Rolling Folk.

Friday night at the beautiful St John’s Church Thea Gilmore and Andrew Rumsey will be putting on an awesome show.

Music on The Moor, from 12-4pm is a chance to bring along a picnic blanket and enjoy some local talent in one of Knutsford’s beautiful green spaces. Knutsford Beer Festival will be setting up a bar and the local Scouts are firing up the BBQ. Love to Craft Mcr and Noodle Performance Arts will be running workshops throughout the afternoon, bring the family and make musical memories.

Saturday Night Blues is headlined by the award-winning UK Blues artists Alice Armstrong. Supported by The Nightcreatures Duo, join us for a night of strong, soulful UK talent.

Closing the festival on Sunday evening are The Magpies and Paul Armfield. A fitting end to four excellent days of music.

Don’t forget to follow us on the socials to check out some of our artists and keep up to date with the festival as it happens!

Mayor of Knutsford Colin Banks said “Knutsford Music Festival is one of our key events of the year and offers a wide choice of music to suit everybody! Please support this fantastic live music event that will once again bring our community together!”

For tickets and full listings, including information of support acts and ‘Music on the Moor’, please visit the festival website at www.knutsfordmusicfestival.com.

28May2024

Knutsford Town Council and The Royal Cheshire County Show

Knutsford Town Council partners with The Royal Cheshire County Show to boost tourism

Knutsford Town Council is excited to announce a new partnership with the prestigious Royal Cheshire County Show, with the aim of promoting Knutsford as a premier destination under the newly launched Discover Knutsford brand. This contra-deal is designed to enhance the visibility of Knutsford and attract a wide audience of visitors to explore the town’s unique offerings.

The agreement will see The Royal Cheshire Show promoting Discover Knutsford on their platforms. In return, Knutsford Town Council will promote the Cheshire Show to enhance the event’s reach and impact in the local community. This collaborative effort aims to highlight Knutsford’s charm, history, and attractions to the thousands of attendees at the Cheshire Show.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Cheshire Show,” said Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council.

“This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of Knutsford to a diverse audience. With the new Discover Knutsford brand, we aim to highlight our town’s rich heritage, vibrant community, and unique experiences, and this is an excellent platform to help us achieve this.”

The Discover Knutsford brand was launched on social media earlier this month to encapsulate the essence of the town, offering visitors insights into its historical landmarks, picturesque settings, and a variety of events and activities. A website will follow later this year.

Rob Davenport the show Director said “The Cheshire Agricultural Society is thrilled to appoint Knutsford Town Council as Principal Partner of The Royal Cheshire County Show.”

“The new partnership will enable us to forge closer links with our local community and to provide mutually beneficial promotional opportunities for both parties. Visitors to the Show come from all over the UK and we look forward to encouraging them to explore the wonderful town of Knutsford as part of their visit, playing our part in boosting the local economy and raising the profile of the of the beautiful area in which the Show is based.”

For more information on The Royal Cheshire County Show visit their website www.royalcheshireshow.org and for more information on Knutsford follow Discover Knutsford on Instagram @discoverknutsford and Facebook Discover Knutsford.

28May2024

Flash Fashion highlights Knutsford as a destination shopping town

ITV presenter Katy Rickitt hosted the third Flash Fashion Knutsford catwalk show on Saturday 18th May. Once again, the fashion show attracted a remarkable turnout, with The Lost & Found packed with spectators both inside and out. Organised by Knutsford Town Council, this event had the town centre a buzz with shoppers.

Spectators queued up to get a glimpse of the outfits showcased at the event, reflecting the enthusiasm surrounding this fashionable affair. The vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by the diverse collection of boutiques featured, cementing Knutsford’s reputation as a destination for shopping.

After the show attendees visited the shops and appreciated the dynamic retail scene that Knutsford has to offer. With shops covering multiple fashion categories, the event highlighted what a broad spectrum of fashion retail there is available in Knutsford.

An example of the unique shopping experience you can encounter in Knutsford comes from Redress who holds regular ‘Swap Shop’ pop ups at Dexter and Jones.

Owner of Redress Fiona Jackson-Gray said “Flash Fashion has become an unmissable event of Knutsford and Redress is so honoured to be a part of it. We had a fantastic day at the fashion show and later in Dexter and Jones for our Swap Shop event.”

“To be able to be invited to walk alongside the boutiques of Knutsford with our preloved brand and for people to not only accept but absolutely relish in its unique qualities is an exciting concept and we hope to be a key part of the event for many years to come. Thank you to the whole team for putting together a true fashion extravaganza and to everyone that came along to support our local independents.”

Sally Feeke from local designer footwear boutique said “We’ve been involved in every Flash Fashion event since 2019.

“It is a great day and both the town and our shop had a real buzz meeting customers old and new. We love the event and we’ve benefited hugely from it so thank you to everyone involved.”

Clare & Illingworth showcased their designer sunglasses, highlighting the premium brands that Knutsford has on offer. Richard Clare said. “Participating in the Flash Fashion event was a fantastic experience for Clare & Illingworth Opticians. The show brilliantly highlighted the amazing independent shops in Knutsford and we had the opportunity to meet many new people plus remind everyone that you can find luxury sunglasses right here locally, without the need to travel.”

For more information about Knutsford’s upcoming events and shopping opportunities follow the Discover Knutsford socials: Instagram @discoverknutsford, Facebook Discover Knutsford.

23May2024

Alfresco Dining

Alfresco dining will take place in Knutsford on four summer Sundays in July and August this year.

Minshull Street will close on 9^th June and 11^th August from 9.30am to 10.30pm, and on Sunday 28^th July and 18^th August a section of King Street will do the same. This will allow restaurants, bars, and cafes to place tables and chairs outside for outdoor dining.

Knutsford Town Council has collaborated with town centre restaurants and cafes to organise the road closures and allow for large scale outdoor dining days throughout the summer. Core Highways 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 took place in September 2021 as part of the Town Council’s work supporting local business during post lockdown recovery. The event returned in 2022 and 2023 with less success due to poor weather.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are pleased to be working with our hospitality venues on this event. Last year was a disappointment due to the weather and after reviewing the event with those involved, it was agreed to move them to a Sunday. This gives the venues more time to welcome dog walkers and Sunday shoppers as well as more time for the rain to stop!”

The Minshull Street and Princess Street closure and covers the following:

The entire length on Minshull Street
The section of Princess Street outside Lost & Found.

The King Street, road closure takes place on and covers the following areas:

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

The following venues will be providing alfresco dining or drinking tables from 9.30am to 10.30pm –

Princess & Minshull Street (9^th June and 11^th August)

Café on the Corner
Lost & Found
April’s Kitchen
Linden Stores
The Angel

King Street (28^th July and 18^th August)

Morgan Edwards
Gusto
Smokehouse and Cellar
King Street Kitchen
Wine and Wallop

Sandra continues “These 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. August 11^th also coincides with FamilyFest, so this is definitely a date for the diaries”.

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 the following social media platforms; Discover Knutsford, Knutsford Town Council, and the participating venues.

17May2024

Explore Knutsford’s hidden gems with Discover Knutsford

A new place brand to promote Knutsford has been launched by Knutsford Town Council.

Discover Knutsford has been developed with funding from UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and aims to elevate Knutsford’s profile on a regional and national scale.

Designed by the team at Knutsford’s own Bella Design and Marketing the Discover Knutsford brand captures the essence of the charming market town. With a focus on exploration the brand invites individuals to uncover the hidden gems and heritage that makes Knutsford a special destination.

Tessa Blakemore, Account Director at Bella Design and Marketing said “Our creative studio really enjoyed working with the team at Knutsford Town Council to create the new brand identity for Discover Knutsford. Our designers produced a contemporary, stylish brand which takes inspiration from the traditional architectural features and colour palette of the environment. It was important to respect the heritage whilst positioning Knutsford as a forward-thinking, multi-faceted place to visit. The emblem of the archway invites visitors to look beyond the obvious and discover everything our vibrant town has to offer.”

Discover Knutsford has been launched on social media to provide information on upcoming events and offering insights into everything Knutsford has to offer. It aims to be a resource for both residents and tourists, helping all to discover more of what Knutsford has to offer.

The UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund is also funding the development of a Discover Knutsford website and the creation of video and photography content to help market Knutsford and support the local economy.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said “Ultimately the aim of Discover Knutsford is to increase awareness and encourage visitors to Knutsford. This will help Knutsford businesses and visitor attractions thrive and ensure we continue to have a vibrant and diverse town.”

“We are excited to use Discover Knutsford as a platform to showcase the unique charm of our town and put Knutsford on the map.”

For more details follow Discover Knutsford on Instagram @discoverknutsford and Facebook: Discover Knutsford. The website www.discoverknutsford.com will launch later this year.

9May2024

Knutsford Music Festival – Music on the Moor and fringe announced!

Knutsford Music Festival returns with a bang next month with an exciting line up set to take the stage from 13^th-16^th June. Once again, festival organiser Knutsford Town Council has worked alongside BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe to arrange a brilliant programme of folk music alongside blues and many free offerings throughout the town.

The free open-air Music on the Moor returns on Saturday 15^th June from 12pm–4pm featuring live music and activities for all ages. Local bands Healey Badger and Instant Vintage will return to stage alongside some new faces to the festival such as Jack Woodward, Ambiere, Chloey Rose and Hangman’s Howl. This event will also showcase the talents of upcoming youngsters Elise Higham and Perine Duchesnes. On the day there will also be a creative craft table run by Love to Craft Mcr, where you can be inspired by the rhythm of the music to create your own masterpiece! Alternatively, why not join the stars of Noodle Performing Arts and have a go at a taking part in a performance workshop? If you need a pick me up after all the action, we have Knutsford Scouts running a BBQ and a Knutsford Beer Festival pop-up!

As if that’s not enough to get excited about Knutsford Music Festival also has some fantastic fringe events popping up in establishments across the town, with everything from electronic beats to community choirs, there will be a gig to suit every musical taste.

The fringe events include:

Thursday 13th June

Protest, Pattern and Party – 6pm onwards at Wine and Wallop

Cocktails & Canvas ‘Monkey Music’ – 7.30pm – 9,30pm at Lost and Found

The Photography of Scarlet Page – 13^th-23^rd June at Oil Art Advisory

Friday 14^th June

DJ Nige – 8pm onwards at Wine & Wallop

Feel Good Classics – 6pm – 8pm at Lost and Found

Ai Over the Top – 9pm – 11pm at Lost and Found

Saturday 15^th June

The Select Committee – 3pm at The Builders Arms

Soulful Minds Music – 6pm at The Builders Arms

Live Electronic Music and Art Exhibition – 6pm onwards at Detaljer (limited space. Booking required)

DJ Night – 12pm onwards at Lost and Found

Knutsford Beats – 11.30am – 12.30pm on Regent Street

Sunday 16^th June

Northwestern – 2pm at The Builders Arms

Marc Gallagher Ukelele Man – 4pm at The Builders Arms

Chilled Spanish Sunday – 2pm-4pm onwards at Evuna

An Afternoon of Emotive and Evocative Vocals – 2pm – 4pm at Detaljer

DJs Brad & Millie – 12pm -5pm at Lost & Found

Star Choir – 11.30am -12.30pm on Regent Street

“Music on The Moor is always such a fun filled community day. A relaxed, inclusive event, celebrating local talent and bringing people together. Its fabulous that this year we will have the addition of a BBQ from the local Scouts and the brilliant Knutsford Beer Festival joining us.” Alex Molloy, Events Manager, Knutsford Town Council.

For more information, pick up one of our gig guides from the library, council offices or at the venues around town. Alternatively, you can head over to our website to find out more and book tickets: www.knutsfordmusicfestival.com .

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