Community | Knutsford Town Council

16Oct2025

Knutsford Pumpkin Path Returns!

Get ready for a spooktacular night like no other! Knutsford’s favourite family-friendly Halloween event, Pumpkin Path, is back! Join us on Friday, 31st October from 4pm to 7pm as King Street transforms into a Halloween haven, filled with fun, excitement, and sweets!

This year’s event promises to be as fun filled as ever, with live performances to capture the imagination and entertain the crowds. Be sure not to miss out on a show from the amazing SMB Dance who will be bringing captivating choreography to life with a Halloween twist. The amazing Knutsford Beats Choir will be serenading visitors with haunting harmonies that are sure to get everyone in the Halloween spirit.

Of course, the much-loved Pumpkin Path is the heart of the night. Families can pick up an entry form and follow the map to discover 12 hidden pumpkins nestled along the streets. Each one is marked with a letter, spelling Trick or Treat but first you need to find the shop.

Don’t forget to also keep your eyes peeled for some special characters along the way, who will bring the streets to life with fun interactions that are perfect for all ages!

As ever a visit to Wallwood is a must where you can spot Minecraft Steve, Frankenstein, Mickey, and Minnie. These child friendly characters will also be wondering around the streets so keep your eyes peeled and don’t forget to take a picture.

While the event is free to enter, a voluntary donation of £1 per child would be warmly welcomed to help support the event. Entry forms will be available from Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe and from the welcome desks along King Street. The event is organised by Knutsford Town Council and generously sponsored by Travel Bag, Linden Stores and King Street Dental Practice.

Ray Balderstone, Manager of Princess Street based Travelbag said, “”We are absolutely thrilled to once again partner with Knutsford Town Council to sponsor the annual Pumpkin Path. This event is a fantastic tradition that brings so much joy and spooky fun to families across the town. As a local business, Travelbag Knutsford loves being part of initiatives that truly enrich our community, and we can’t wait to see all the creative costumes and happy faces on the night!”

So, mark your calendars, gather your costumes, and join us for an unforgettable night of Halloween magic, live performances, and family fun. We can’t wait to see you on the Pumpkin Path!

Event Information

To find out more about the event, visit www.discoverknutsford.com or email enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk, or alternatively you can call 01565 653 929.

Road Closures

To enable the Pumpkin Path to take place safely, road closures will be in place as follows:

King Street at the junction with Church Walk to the junction with Drury Lane

All affected residents have been contacted directly

26Sep2025

Town Council Launches Accessibility Forum

Knutsford Town Council is inviting residents to attend the inaugural Knutsford Accessibility Forum on Thursday 13th November at Knutsford Market Hall.

The council is inviting residents of Knutsford who have lived experience of disability, chronic illness, additional needs and other access requirements to join us for the evening; with hopes of bringing voices together to create a new resident-led group to support local change.

Community Engagement Officer, Lucy Fox said “Hosted at our recently refurbished accessible Market Hall, this is your chance to speak about the challenges you face and improvements you would like to see made to better access and enjoy what our town has to offer.”

“The forum will be shaped by attendees, with support from the council. Our aim is to facilitate an ongoing group who can make recommendations and champion improvements across town. The functions of the group will depend on interest and attendance at the first meeting.”

It is important to the council that the group represents the voices of people living with different physical and mental health circumstances so it can hear and learn more about the perspectives and challenges from first-hand experience. Carers and other supporting persons are also welcome.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm and finish at approximately 8 pm, depending on attendee interest and numbers.

If you would like to attend but need reasonable adjustments, or if you have any questions, please email lucy.fox@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653929.

3Sep2025

Children’s Reading Activities at Knutsford Library Supported by Community Grant Scheme

To support their annual Summer Reading Challenge, Knutsford Library has been awarded £400 as part of the Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme.

The library is delivering a programme of events and activities to encourage reading and library membership over the summer holidays, running fun events along the way to increase enthusiasm for reading amongst local children. The initiative also aims to precent a dip in literacy levels over the break.

Cheshire East libraries, including Knutsford Library, aim to become the venue of choice for enabling and connecting residents to enrichment within their lives. Library services and spaces are designed to meet community needs by providing free access to books, e-resources, information and computers. In doing so, they support learning, improve literacy and contribute to the health, wellbeing and resilience of the local community.

To find out more about library services, please visit https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/libraries/nearest-library/knutsford_library.aspx or call 01625 374873.

The Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support community projects and activities within Knutsford. Funding priorities include providing services/opportunities for young people or older people, providing new or improved assets or services for the community and enhancing the profile or reputation of the Town.

The next deadline for applications is 31^st December. For more information visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants.

27Aug2025

Knutsford at Home Returns on September 20th

Knutsford’s homes and interiors inspiration event, Knutsford at Home, returns to the town centre this autumn on Saturday 20^st September.

Designed to inspire attendees with their upcoming home projects no matter how big or small, the event is the product of a collaboration between local interior businesses and Knutsford Town Council.

Highlighting the vast collection of home interior shops and specialists available in Knutsford, the day includes, architect consults, prize draws, colour consultations, exclusive offers and the launch of new collections.

Design experts and architects will be available throughout shops in town to advise and inspire attendees with their projects. Many shops will also serve light refreshments for a relaxed shopping environment.

Businesses taking part include.

Anna Marczynski Design
Arthur Lee, Toft Road
Bianca Morgan Architects
Detaljer, Princess Street
Hannah Barnes Interior Design
Havwoods, Regent Street
Oil Art Advisory, King Street
OKA, Manchester Road
R.I Home, King Street
Sofas and Stuff, Canute Place
Susie Watson Designs, King Street
Terzetto Stone, King Street
The Bath House, King Street
The Cotswold Company, King Street

The event has generously been sponsored by King Street located Anna Marczynski Interior Designs.

A leaflet containing information about the event including all booking details for activities has been distributed around Knutsford Town Centre. There is also further information available on www.discoverknutsford.com and following @discoverknutsford on Instagram and Facebook.

Sponsor Anna Marczynski, said, “We are delighted to sponsor the Knutsford at Home 2025 event and are looking forward to welcoming people to the official launch of our new studio at 4 King Street. Complete home inspiration is available via design consultations with me and the team and with Bianca Morgan of Bianca Morgan architects.”

The Bath House is taking part for the first time, and store manager Ally Craig Mair, said, “This is the first time we’ve taken part in Knutsford at Home and are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our store. We all need a little quiet luxury in our homes, and our range of fragrances are the perfect, especially as we move towards the colder months.”

Swedish café and lifestyle store Detaljer will be hosting a meet the artist session with Tony Green as well as a private viewing in the evening and Oil Art Advisory will be showcasing their artist in residence David Boardman’s new artwork.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said; ‘We are proud to be working alongside our interior shops once again for our third Knutsford at Home. We’ve worked collaboratively to pull an event together that is your one-stop-shop for all things interiors and are very grateful to our sponsors, Anna Marczynski Design. Whether you are planning a full renovation or need those finishing touches – Knutsford at Home is the place to be.’

27Aug2025

Bat Walk Boosted by Community Grant Scheme

As part of Knutsford Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme, Crosstown Community Orchard has been awarded a grant worth £325 through the gift of five bat detectors.

The charity runs a well-attended Bat and Moth event each September. The free event offers residents a unique opportunity to take a closer look at these wonderful creatures, whilst engaging people in conversation about local green spaces. The focus of the event is to enhance awareness of and appreciation for wildlife and the natural environment, bringing the community together to discuss ecosystems and the impact of different decisions on wildlife.

The 2025 Bat and Moth event takes place on Friday 12^th September, starting at 8:30pm at the shelter on the Moor.

Crosstown Community Orchard is an open to all green space where members of our community can maintain and share in the bounty of an orchard. The charity hosts several events throughout the year and always welcomes new volunteers to support their work.

Orchard trustee, Kevin Griffiths said “The bat detectors will be used every year at our event to enable visitors to hear the sounds of the different bats we find on the Moor.

We’re grateful to the town council for its continued support of our work and invite anyone to join us at this year’s Bat and Moth walk”

For more information about Crosstown Community Orchard please visit www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk. The Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support community projects and activities within Knutsford. Funding priorities include providing services/opportunities for young people or older people, providing new or improved assets or services for the community and enhancing the profile or reputation of the Town. The next deadline for applications is 31^st August. For more information visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants.

20Aug2025

Knutsford buzzes with art and alfresco dining

Knutsford was a hive of creativity on August 17th as the town hosted its inaugural Paint Knutsford and Young Artist of the Year competitions. Over 30 professional and amateur artists turned Knutsford into an open-air studio, capturing iconic buildings, green spaces, and streetscapes.

Sponsored by King Street Dental Practice, the event culminated in an exhibition at Knutsford Market Hall where a judging panel, including Knutsford Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley and gallery owner Tony Turner, selected the winners.

Jill Aspen took first place for her stunning painting of the moor lake. Jill said, “What a lovely day spent painting in the sunshine. There were so many fantastic artists there, and I met lots of lovely Knutsford folk. To win first place just topped off a fabulous day. Thanks so much to everyone involved. I can’t wait for Paint Knutsford 2026”

Second place went to Liz Wheeldon-Wyatt for her illustration of the newly opened Stolen Lamb restaurant.

Jill Aspen – Overall winner of Paint Knutsford

Liz Wheeldon Wyatt – 2nd place — Jill Aspen – Overall winner of Paint Knutsford

Tony Tuner owner of The Next Door Gallery said, “I was delighted to be involved in the first Paint Knutsford. What a lovely event. I was so impressed with the range of entries from both the adult entrants and young artists – particularly in the 12-17 years category. The level of skill was outstanding. A huge congratulations to the winners and everyone who took part. Roll on 2026”

Rosie Birchill – 2nd place 12-17 — Jenna Reid – 1st place 12-17 category

The next generation of artists was also celebrated in the Young Artist of the Year competition, drawing a wide range of entries from local budding artists. Edie Joe Fuller (age 7) won the 4-11 years category, with Richard Taberner (age 6) as the runner-up. In the 12-17 years category, two Knutsford Academy students took the top spots: Jenna Reid in first place and Rosie Birchall as runner-up.

Alfresco dining also took place on King Street creating a festival like atmosphere in the town.

Wallop, Mowgli, Piccolinos, Gusto, Smokehouse and Cellar, Rose and Crown, Patrick’s Irish pub, and Morgan Edwards all offered outdoor seating allowing visitors and residents to enjoy the glorious weather

Alfresco Dining by Smokehouse and Cellar — Alfresco Dining by Rose and Crown

Andy Vo, manager of the Smokehouse and Cellar said, “Al Fresco dining has become an established feature in Knutsford’s Summer social scene. It provides an outdoor festival atmosphere for diners and drinkers alike. This year was no exception, and the glorious weather drew in many locals and visitors from further afield.”

David Sims, owner of the Rose and Crown said, “What a day for alfresco dining! The Rose and Crown team had a wonderful day greeting regulars and visitors alike. The Paint Knutsford event was an additional draw and the atmosphere in town was amazing!”

Laura Phillipson, Events Manager at Knutsford Town Council said, “The feedback from the artists, our King Street hospitality and visitors to the town was amazing. Watching the artists in action and their painting unfold was such a unique experience. Congratulations to our winning entrants and everyone who took part. We hope to repeat this event next year and hopefully the sun will also make a return visit!”

All entries have been uploaded to social media for an additional public vote which closes on 26^th August. The entries can be viewed on Knutsford Town Council’s website and Facebook pages.

Cast your vote on the following link – https://form.jotform.com/252312585494360

Garry Hartley painting The White Bear — Patrick Jones painting by the Moor

Images by Knutsford Photographic Society.

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.

19Aug2025

Fun for all the family at Family Fest

The sun was shining on Sunday 10^th August for the third Knutsford Family Fest. Families flocked to the town to take advantage of the variety of family friendly activities across shops, restaurants, and community spaces in Knutsford town centre.

Attendees had options to start the day with a choice of family friendly yoga sessions from Sataya Sanctuary, a lively music class from Popcat’s Music Time or a phonics class with Robot Reg!

Children also had a chance to stitch their own souvenir in Knutsford Heritage Centre after viewing their stunning Millennium Tapestry.

The Knutsford Fire Service was in attendance outside the Lost and Found showing children around the fire engine. There was some wonderful food and drink on Minshull Street courtesy of Linden Stores and Jordy’s Pizza and also outside The Lost and Found. Both were bustling with diners enjoying the chilled-out atmosphere and sunshine. There was also a paella party at everyone’s favourite Spanish restaurant Evuna.

Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe hosted face painting sessions and a fancy dress competition judged by Knutsford Town Mayor Councillor Bryan Hartley. There was also a well-attended children’s disco at Knutsford Market Hall which also saw Bahattin of The Market Café demonstrate some Greek dancing!

The sponsor of the event, Cottons had a pop-up promoting their hotel alongside a competition to win a spa day for two. Ian Gatley, Cotton’s Sales Manager, said, “We loved taking part in our first family fest. It was lovely to see so many people outside in the sunshine enjoying themselves. Thanks to everyone who came to visit us and congratulations to the winner of our spa competition.”

Sandra Curties, Town Central Manager at Knutsford Town Council said; “We were delighted with the response to our third family Fest. The sun shone and children of all ages had a wonderful time. Thanks to everyone who collaborated on this event, we can’t wait for Family Fest 2026. It was also wonderful to see our refurbished market hall come to life with an amazing children’s disco tunes from DJ Pete Deane!”

Photo Credit – Charlie Norbury Photography

15Aug2025

Stolen Lamb joins the Knutsford voucher family.

Knutsford’s newest restaurant, the Stolen Lamb, has joined the growing list of businesses accepting the Knutsford Voucher.

The family-run Greek restaurant opened in August in the former Botanist premises on King Street and has proved extremely popular with locals and visitors since opening. Saphina Hadjiyianni, owner, said “We’ve been delighted with the welcome we’ve received in Knutsford. We’ve been so busy too with both locals and visitors paying a visit to taste our authentic Greek dishes – so a huge thank you! We are pleased to accept the Knutsford voucher too – it is a great scheme that both keeps spend local and makes a great gift!”

Photo – Sandra Curties of Knutsford Town Council

Left to Right Saphina Hadjiyianni (owner) and Charley Ruocco (manager) of The Stolen Lamb — Photo – Sandra Curties of Knutsford Town Council
Left to Right Saphina Hadjiyianni (owner) and Charley Ruocco (manager) of The Stolen Lamb

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager for Knutsford Town Council, said, “When we introduced the voucher scheme back in 2020, we had no expectation as to the response or longevity of the scheme. We are so pleased it is still in operation, and we’ve added a gift card too. The voucher makes such a lovely gift for all ages with such a variety of businesses accepting it. We are proud to say you can now enjoy Greek food alongside buying a coffee, a cushion, womenswear, or a chicken!”

The Knutsford voucher was launched in 2020 and currently 50 different businesses accept the scheme. The voucher can be ordered via the Discover Knutsford website or in person at the town council offices. They come complete with a gift card, and each business is paid back in full.

Press Contact Sandra Curties Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

11Aug2025

A Roof Over the Heads of Hall Users

St Cross Church is one of the latest organisations to receive support through the Knutsford Town Council Community Grant Scheme.

The church has been awarded £1,500 towards the projects costs of recovering the church hall roof. The hall was built in 1980 – 100 years after St Cross Church itself was built and this is the first time the roof has been recovered.

The renewal of the roof will support a vital community asset and was supported with donations of over £12,000 and funding from other sources. As an accessible building with a range of modern and renovated facilities, the hall is used for several community purposes, the lynchpin of which is Hope Central – a charity bringing hope and relieving poverty in Cheshire East.

Hope Central use the hall as a base for their Monday morning drop-in centre, which offers free access to a range of services, as well as food, hot drinks and opportunities for connection and community. Individuals can access debt help, support into employment, and access to courses which provide support about how to live well on a budget. The service has significant impact across the town, fortified use of the hall.

Reverend Paul Deakin, Vicar of St Cross Church, thanked Knutsford Town Council for its award of £1,500 grant towards the cost of recovering the church hall roof:

“As part of the re-roofing project, improved insulation was put in place, alongside a double-glazed replacement skylight. It is all part of the church’s efforts to be as sustainable as possible.”

“The works ensure the hall’s continued use as a community hub by organisations ranging from a Pilates group to the foodbank and weekly drop-in centre run by Hope Central. Organisations are welcome to use the hall – and there’s still some availability for others to do so. By all means let me know, if you’re interested.”

For more information about St Cross Church please visit https://www.stcrossknutsford.org.uk/ or call 01565 640702.And if you’d like to find out more about Hope Central please visit https://hopecentral.org.uk/.

25Jul2025

Knutsford Market Hall sponsors Yoga in the Park

Knutsford Market Hall is sponsoring Satya Sanctuary’s August Yoga in the Park session. These free sessions take place on The Moor and the whole community is welcome.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “Satya Sanctuary opened last September and has quickly become part of the fabric of Knutsford. The market hall’s ethos is ‘a vibrant hub for local life’ so sponsoring this event was an easy decision. We are pleased we have enabled this community initiative to be free to all”

Charlotte Montgomery, founder of Satya Sanctuary said, “We are delighted Knutsford Market Hall is sponsoring August’s Yoga in the Park. At Satya we are passionate about bringing the benefits of yoga to as wider audience as possible. These free sessions are suitable for all, just bring a mat or towel and enjoy the session.”

August’s session will take place on August 24^th August at 3.30pm on The Moor. Although the sessions are free pre-booking is essential. You can book via https://www.satyasanctuary.co.uk/book-a-class or download Satya’s app.

Knutsford Market Hall is located on Silk Mill Street, Knutsford and is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Makers Market Sunday from 9am to 4pm

Satya Sanctuary is located on Unit 6a, 44-46 King Street, Knutsford and offers a range of classes throughout the week. www.satyasanctuary.co.uk

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