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

Sean Taylor head lining the Friday Night Blues

Knutsford Music Festival Full Programme Announced

Knutsford Music Festival returns with a bang this month with an exciting line up set to take stage and a full programme of fringe events around Knutsford. The three-day festival will take place from 9thth to 11th June with a special pre festival concert on the evening of the 8th.

Festival organisers at the Town Council have arranged a brilliant night of blues and a classical music evening as well as collaborating with BBC Radio’s Mark Radcliffe to bring a line-up of incredible folk music to the festival.

A sold-out special one-off show will kick of the weekend at Thursday 8th at Knutsford Little Theatre with a folk compilation from Mark Radcliffe & Friends.

Friday showcases folk musician Georgia Ruth with support from Chris Fox & John Parker at St Johns Church at 7.30pm. Over at Brook Street Chapel there will be ‘Friday Night Blues’ at 7.30pm featuring Simster & Small Blues Duo, Southern Fried Groove Queens with a headline performance from troubadour Sean Taylor.

During the afternoon of Saturday the 10th there will be a free open to all event on the Moor from 12 – 4pm featuring live music and activities for all ages. In the evening, Katherine Priddy will headline ‘Folk at the Church’ with support from The Weeping Willows.

Sunday’s line up includes the folk performance from Budapest Café Orchestra at Knutsford Little Theatre starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets for all headline events can be purchased via www.knutsfordmusicfestival.com .

Throughout the weekend there will be some fantastic fringe events popping up in establishments throughout Knutsford and Knutsford town centre. With everything from Americana rock to community choirs there will be a gig to suit every musical taste.

The fringe events include;

Friday 9th June
6pm Luson at The Lost & Found
7:30pm Lucas Marks & The Glorious Unknown at The Lost & Found
8pm Nelson Peach at The Angel

Saturday 10th June
11am Knutsford Beats on Regent Street
1pm Phoenix Voices Choir on Regent Street
1pm All Day Music at The Lost & Found
4pm Dexter’s House Jazz Bad at Dexter & Jones
7:30pm Gus Glynn at The Tea Room
And Music all weekend at The Courthouse from The Courthouse Live Sessions

Sunday 11th June
11am Knutsford Star Choir on Regent Street
From 3pm a dynamic selection of music from Simon Sackey, Blue Walker and Kojo

You can now see all events planned on our gig guide: Knutsford Music Festival 2023 Gig Guide.

Mark Lee-Kilgariff - Nick Smithers of Tatton Perk

Two New Venues Join Taste Knutsford

Two new venues have been added to the culinary tour of the Town ready for the first tours of 2023. Taste Knutsford is a walking food and drink tour which visits around seven venues sampling from a range of independent venues.

The first tours of the new year take place on the 17th and 18th February with two venues added the line-up that could be on offer.

Tatton Perk are new to the tour and will be showcasing their V60 brew methods and offering two samples of along with tasting notes and three hot chocolate tasters. The Courthouse Cheshire are returning to the Taste Knutsford family adding their brunch to the mix.

The tours begun in 2018 and apart from a break due to Covid have proved popular with visitors and residents alike, with many booking repeat tours.

The current list of venues include –

  • April’s Kitchen
  • Cheshire Quality
  • Cranford Café & Sandwich Bar
  • Dexter and Jones
  • Evuna
  • Morgan Edwards
  • Jonty’s Fruit and Veg
  • Hot Cocoa
  • Real Fruit Creamery
  • Courthouse Cheshire
  • The Market Hall Butcher
  • The Market Café
  • The Tea Room
  • Detaljer
  • Tatton Perk

Mark Lee Kilgariff, owner of Tatton Perk said, “Now we have permanent premises, joining Taste Knutsford was a no-brainer for us! The tour champions both our independents and our gorgeous town. We can’t wait to take part in the first tour and introduce people to the Tatton Perk experience”.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “We love arranging these tours.  The feedback we receive from guests regarding the tours is always positive with guests leaving very full! Our tour guides are knowledgeable about each venue and the town, encouraging quests to stay, linger and spend in Knutsford.”

Any small regional or independent hospitality venue can take part in the tour and if you wish to take part in a tour you can book via www.tasteknutsford.co.uk  Private tours for 8 or more can also be arranged.

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

Town Mayor and Ian Cass of the Forum of Private Business

Forum of Private Business on board for the Town Awards

A national business support organisation located just outside Knutsford has once again pledged their support and sponsorship to the Knutsford Town Awards.

The Forum of Private Business, based at the Ashley Hall Showground, has sponsored the Town Awards since their inception in 2013. The Town Awards recognise those who give back to the local community and make Knutsford a better town for all.

Managing Director, and Knutsford resident Ian Cass said “The FPB are relighted to be sponsoring the Knutsford Town Awards again, particularly the business award.

“Knutsford businesses are always very supportive of each other, and I hope lots of them will be nominated for these awards this year.”

Over 50 nominations have been submitted in the Town Awards so far this year with a number of different individuals, community groups and businesses having been put forward by the community. The awards rely on the community to submit their nominations so more nominations are always encouraged.

Nominations for the 2023 Town Awards close on Monday 20th February and can be made online at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/town-awards. The awards will be presented in mid-March.

Text says "Plant a Tree with Ranger Bob"

‘Plant a Tree with Ranger Bob’ returns this February half-term

Grab your shovels and join our Town Ranger this February half-term for a chance to plant a tree in Knutsford!

Following the success of last year’s event, ‘Plant a Tree with Ranger Bob’ is back this month and people of all ages are invited to participate by planting a tree in the two-day event. Whether you’re looking for ways to get some fresh air, or you just love trees, it’s a great way to make some memories and be part of Knutsford’s Nature Action Plan!

Knutsford Town Council set out to plant 13,000 trees as part of its Nature Action Plan in March 2020 as part of its commitment to reduce our carbon footprint. So far, the Council has planted 1,471 trees and they are keen to keep that number growing.

As part of this initiative, last year Knutsford residents joined fantastic Town Ranger Bob in different sites around Knutsford to plant a variety of trees. Dozens of Knutsford residents turned out to get stuck in and help plant a tree.

If you’d like to get involved this year, please send your name, contact number, how many people you’d like to bring and which site you’d like to plant a tree at to enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk. Spaces are limited so please get in touch ASAP to secure a space.

The times and sites are as follows:

Tuesday 21st Feb

9am:  Chelford Road, outside the cricket club (2 trees) – 1 Volunteer

10am:  Brandon Drive, green next to wildflower meadow (2 trees) – 1 Volunteer

11am:  The Heath, behind bowling green (2 trees) – 1 Volunteer

12pm:  Ladies Mile, by Heath Drive (3 trees) – 2 Volunteers

1pm:  Westfield Drive, green near 33-37 (11 trees) – 4 Volunteers

Wednesday 22nd Feb

9am:  Site One – Longridge, near 358-357 (4 trees) – 2 Volunteers

10am:  Site Two – Longridge, near 310-311 (2 trees) – 1 Volunteer

11am:  Site Three – Longridge, near 95-97 (1 tree) – 1 Volunteer

12pm:  Site Four – Longridge, near the Welcome (4 trees) – 2 Volunteers

1pm:  Site Five – Southfields, green opposite 30-38 (5 trees) – 2 Volunteers

Knutsford Market Hall Traders and Kath Gibb Smiling

Knutsford Market Hall and The Silk Rooms Join Forces

Shoppers visiting Knutsford Market Hall in February can enter a prize draw to win a night ‘next door’ at The Silk Rooms.

Kath Gibb of Aneto Properties are developing the former Freemason’s building into a ‘boutique  Airbnb’ with a downstairs bar and restaurant area. Kath said, “This has been such an exciting project for us.  The Grade II listed building had been neglected and required a lot of work.  Our restoration is sensitive but has brought the building and the outside space into the 21st century.  We live local and know Knutsfordians have fond memories of their evening in the Freemasons. Very soon, they can add memories of the Silk Room to this.

Shoppers at Knutsford Market Hall will receive a raffle ticket when they spend with the following traders –

  • Style Loft Boutique
  • The Market Café
  • Radchester Garden Ornaments
  • Sabrina’s Baby and Toddler Boutique
  • Slipped Discs
  • Market Hall Butcher

These raffle tickets will be entered into a prize draw and the winner will win a night’s stall at The Silk Rooms to be used by December 31st, 2023.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said “We are delighted to be working the Kath and The Silk Rooms and can’t wait for next door to open! This collaboration is perfect.”

Knutsford Market Hall is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 8am-4pm, with the options to open on additional days with agreement. The market is home to a café, womenswear, a vinyl record shop, a baby and child clothing boutique, garden ornaments, a butcher and fruit and veg stall. A greeting card stall is coming soon.

The Silk Rooms is being developed by Aneto Properties and is scheduled open in Spring 2023. Aneto Properties are looking for tenants for the downstairs bar and restaurant area and interested parties should contact Kath Gibb on contact@thesilkrooms.co.uk

2022 Town Award Winners with Stewart Gardiner

Nominations Open for 10th Annual Knutsford Town Awards

The call has gone out for residents to nominate their community heroes for the 10th annual Knutsford Town Awards. The awards have been sponsored by the Forum of Private business once again.

The awards recognise those who make the Knutsford community so special with awards presented across five categories. Nominations can be made online at the Town Council website by 17th February.

Nominations can be submitted for any of the following categories:

The Civic Award which recognises the work of individuals. Last year’s winners included Eileen Podmore for her long and dedicated service at the Knutsford Royal May Day Committee.

The Youth Award which recognises those aged 21 and under. Last year the award was jointly awarded to Brooke McAteer and Ben Ormerod for their public speaking at Cheshire East Council calling for reduced speed limits.

The Business Award recognises businesses who give something back to their community, such as last year’s award winners Co-Op Knutsford for their proactive engagement with local groups.

The Community Award shines the light on local charities, committees, and other groups. Last year it went to the Knutsford Friendship Café for their work supporting carers and those with dementia.

Finally, the Extra Mile Award is for those who go above and beyond in their paid work for the benefit of the local community such as 2022 winner Ximena Massam who won the award for going the extra mile as chef at the Welcome Café.

“I have said before what a wonderfully vibrant community Knutsford has, and these awards aim to shine a light on those who make it so. We need you to tell us who you believe deserves an award this year, so please take the time to submit your nomination” said Cllr Mike Houghton, Mayor of Knutsford.

Nominations can be submitted at https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/town-awards/nominate

Volunteers from Knutsford Allotment Society at a stall in a church in 2021

Town invited to get REFRESHED

As university students prepare to scout out their Freshers Fair, a community freshers fair is coming to Knutsford on Saturday 10th September.

ReFresh Knutsford is organised by Knutsford Town Council and brings together a range of community organisations, charities, clubs and societies to help introduce (or refresh) the community on what it has on the doorstep.

Over 30 groups are coming together to meet potential new volunteers, service users and the wider community. Groups booked to attend cover a range of interests and topics including:

  • Knutsford Floral Design Club
  • Thai Chi Classes
  • Friends of the Moor
  • Knutsford Skatepark
  • Knutsford Community Transport Association
  • Jodrell District Girl guides
  • Canute Badminton Club

“This event is all about connecting our community” said Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green.

“Whether you are interested in trying out bellringing, want to get involved in the community orchard or learn what the Rotary and Lions do for the town this is a chance to make those connections – you never know what impact your interaction might have on the wider community or whether you’ll discover your new hobby.”

Refresh Knutsford takes place in Knutsford Methodist Church and St John’s Church from 1pm to 3pm.