Knutsford Young Artist of the Year Competetion 2025

Knutsford Young Artist of the Year 2025

Knutsford Young Artist of the Year was first held in 2022 to showcase young local artistic talent. Once again, we’re inviting young local artists to unleash their full artistic potential, whether that be in the form of paintings, digital art, ceramics, illustrations or something else!

There are two categories:

  • Junior artist: 4 to 11 years old
  • Young artist: 12 to 18 years old

The competition is open for entries until 18th July.

A judging panel will shortlist several entries, who will then be invited to a special awards evening at Knutsford Market Hall on Sunday 17th August. The artists’ work will be displayed in the newly renovated Market Hall for the evening, and a winner and runner up in each category will be awarded and receive a prize.

To enter a valid submission in the competition, you must:

  • Live in Knutsford, or
  • Study at a Knutsford school

To enter the competition, please deliver your submission by 5pm on Friday 18th July, to:

Knutsford Town Council Offices, Toft Road, Knutsford, WA16 6TA. Entries should be accompanied by a piece of paper recording the entrant’s name, age and address and contact information for their parent/guardian.

The judging panel will then shortlist their favourite entries and those shortlisted will be invited to the awards presentation evening, which will be held on Sunday 17th August from 5.30pm.

For more information, please contact enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929.

Knutsford Music Festival Success!

The 2025 Knutsford Music Festival, organised by Knutsford Town Council, has concluded with resounding success, drawing music enthusiasts from across the region and beyond. Held from June 5 to 8, the festival featured an eclectic lineup spanning folk, blues, gospel, and pop, transforming Knutsford into a vibrant hub of live music and community engagement.

The folk program, curated by BBC Radio presenter Mark Radcliffe, returned for its eighth year showcasing artists such as Katherine Priddy and Rusty’s Wild Rovers. Performances took place at St John’s Church and Knutsford Little Theatre, captivating audiences with intimate and heartfelt music.

Music on the Moor took place on Saturday 7th June. This free, open-air event celebrated local talent, offering four hours of live music, craft workshops, and circus performances. Despite challenging weather conditions, attendees maintained high spirits, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm and support.

Festival organisers as the town council have already began planning for the 2026 edition and would love to know what you would like to see included next year! Events Manager Laura Phillipson expressed gratitude to sponsors and attendees, stating, “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.”

Local businesses reported increased foot traffic and sales during the festival weekend, underscoring the event’s positive economic impact on the town.

The Knutsford Town Council is committed to building on this year’s success, with plans to enhance the festival experience in 2026. Organisers are seeking feedback from attendees and residents to ensure the continued growth and relevance of the festival. Suggestions and comments can be directed to Laura Phillipson at laura.phillipson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Photographs by Sadie Whitrigg @Whittriggsadie.

Town Centre Maps for 2025-2026

New Town Centre Shopping Map!

The 2025/6 Knutsford Town Centre map has been published in time for the summer season.

The unique illustrated map is designed to give a summary of what Knutsford has to offer, highlighting its markets, cafes and restaurants as well as the diverse retail offering. The leaflet also lists key town events for the coming year.

The map is supported with adverts from a selection of Knutsford’s shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars. It is distributed to key locations in the town centre including the railway station, Tatton Park and Knutsford Heritage Centre and is used as a promotion tool throughout the year at events including the Cheshire Show and the ever-busy Knutsford Christmas Markets. The map will also be distributed to tourist information offices across the county. The production of the map has been fully funded by local businesses through the advertising.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are delighted to publish a new edition of the town centre map. It is a key marketing tool for the town for residents and visitors alike. A huge thanks to those business who support the production of the map, many of whom are repeat advertisers”

A group of ladies are stood posing and smiling in colourful dresses after the fashion show.

Flash Fashion returns to the Catwalk this Saturday!

The wait is over – Flash Fashion Knutsford is back this Saturday 17th May bringing style and excitement to the town as independent boutiques and fashion shops present their Spring/ Summer collections at The Lost & Found.

Organised by Knutsford Town Council this much-loved, daylong event also features pop-ups and in-store experiences throughout town. The event kicks off at 11am at The Lost & Found with a fashion show spotlighting the latest seasonal trends from local boutiques. The show will be introduced by event sponsor and Knutsford based stylist Laura Davies and compered by ITV presenter and owner of Dexter & Jones, Katie Rickitt.

Launched in 2019, Flash Fashion has become a highlight of the local calendar, celebrating the creativity and flair of Knutsford’s independent fashion scene. Last year’s event drew crowds in full force with this weekend’s event expecting a similar response.

Participating stores include

  • Kanoa Living
  • Cocaranti
  • Redress at Dexter and Jones
  • Blossom Boutique
  • Paris Ladies Boutique
  • Bare Necessities
  • Willow Boutiques
  • Chalk 33
  • Milania Boutique
  • Roberta Beauty Redefined
  • Zapatos
  • Clare and Illingworth
  • L ’Atelier London
  • Lanigan and Hulme
  • The British Red Cross
  • The Edit
  • Satya Sanctuary
  • Children’s Adventure Farm

Laura Philipson, Town Event Manager at Knutsford Town Council said “We are so excited to see Flash Fashion return to Knutsford this weekend. There is such a buzz in town that day and it’s a brilliant chance to visit Knutsford and discover the independent shopping scene”

Roberta Dyer from Roberta Beauty Re-Defined said “I love this event. I take part in the fashion show as a model which is so much fun! Then afterwards I am offering beauty treatment tasters in both Claire & Illingworth and Willow Boutiques. It is certainly a day not to be missed in Knutsford” For further details on the event follow Discover Knutsford on both Facebook and Instagram. More details can be found at www.discoverknutsford.com/events.

A woman stands next to a painting

New live painting event hits Knutsford this summer

Paint Knutsford!, a new open-air painting event from Knutsford Town Council, launches this summer

On the 17th of August the live exhibition will give professional and amateur artists the opportunity to showcase their skills across the town centre, bringing art to life.

Artists will have the day to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art in a chosen location in Knutsford’s historic town centre.

The call is now out for artists to sign up to take part. Entry is £15 and artists can register at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/events/paint-knutsford.

On the day, they will have their blank canvas stamped at Knutsford Market Hall before going off to their chosen location to set up their ‘studio’ for the day. All artists will return to the Market Hall to have their piece of art displayed for a panel of judges and be in with a chance of winning a cash prize.

Visitors will be able to pick up a map of where the artist will be located and get to see art created in real time.

Entry for artists closes on 18 July 2025.

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.

A group of people stood in front of a building.

Flash Fashion Knutsford returns this spring

The highly anticipated Flash Fashion Knutsford is set to return this year on Saturday 17th May as Knutsford independent boutiques and fashion shops collaborate to showcase their Spring/Summer 25 collections in a fashion show at The Lost & Found.

Organised by Knutsford Town Council, this day-long event that also features pop-ups and events in stores, started in 2019 to highlight the wonderful collection of independent fashion retailers in Knutsford. The event has gained a loyal following in the past few years with last year’s fashion show at full capacity.

The day will kick off at 11am in Lost and Found with a fashion show featuring the latest looks from local boutiques, introduced by the event sponsor and Knutsford based stylist Laura Davies and compered by ITV presenter and owner of Dexter & Jones, Katy Rickitt. Attendees can then browse the shops and enjoy a variety of complimentary services in store including on-hand beauty treatments, a glass of fizz and exclusive offers.

Participating stores include

  • Kanoa Living
  • Cocaranti
  • Redress at Dexter and Jones
  • Blossom Boutique
  • Paris Ladies Boutique
  • Bare Necessities
  • Willow Boutiques
  • Chalk 33
  • Milania Boutique
  • Roberta Beauty Redefined
  • Zapatos
  • Clare and Illingworth
  • L ’Atelier London
  • Lanigan and Hulme
  • British Red Cross
  • The Edit
  • Satya Sanctuary

Michelle Samsa from Willow Boutiques said; “We are excited to be part of another fabulous Flash Fashion event. The fashion show at The Lost & Found always has such an amazing atmosphere. And the shop is always buzzing afterwards.”

Michelle continues “We can’t wait for the pop-up instore from Roberta Beauty Redefined where Roberta will join us from 3pm – 5pm offering revitalising Dermalogica hand massages.”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said “This event has gained quite the following over the years and we are excited to bring it back for 2025. The shops will have some fabulous Spring/ Summer collections instore so this day will be the perfect outing for customers to get inspired, plan their summer wardrobes and go shopping!”

Leaflets will be available from shops and eateries around Knutsford shortly to allow shoppers to plan their day. Details of the day can also be found on www.discoverknutsford.com

This event has been sponsored by Laura Davies Styling.

A group of people sat down listening to a woman giving a talk

Knutsford delivers an action-packed Health & Wellness Week

Knutsford’s second Health & Wellness Week was a jam-packed week showcasing a range of wellbeing services in the town centre. Organised by Knutsford Town Council, the event programme kicked off on Saturday 18th January with Re- Fresh, a fair showcasing interest and community groups. The week continued with an array of activities and sessions such as running, yoga, Pilates podiatry, life coaching, hearing and eye checks, and counselling.

Refresh was held at St John’s Church and Knutsford Methodist Church and hosted a variety of community and interest groups from 1pm to 3pm on 18th January. Both churches had a steady flow of visitors exploring the different community and volunteer groups on offer. The range was huge and included Knutsford Bake Club, Crosstown Community Orchard, Run Knutsford, and Hartford French Circle exhibiting alongside Satya Sanctuary and Knutsford Hearing Centre.

Roberta Dyer owner of Roberta Dyer Beauty Re-defined said, “”This was my first time exhibiting at Re – Fresh and it was a great opportunity to connect with the community away from the salon. Our reflexology, facials and laser hair removal consultations proved popular. I particularly enjoyed the menopause talk which I co-hosted with Helen Jones Nutrition and Dr Lydia Robertson a GP and menopause specialist”.

The week continued with a variety of wellness activities, from invigorating fitness classes and calming yoga sessions to informative talks on menopause and nutrition. Knutsford Hearing Centre offered free Hearing Health appointments, and Find Your Backbone offered free 30 minutes introduction lessons to The Alexander Technique (for back and neck pain) throughout the week.

The event was sponsored by cardiovascular specialist, Tomorrow’s Wellness which opened in June 2024 on Regent Street. During the week they offered discounts and free blood pressure check-ups.

David Willis, CEO of Tomorrow Wellness said “Health & Wellness Week has not only been a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors of Knutsford to focus on their well-being, but also a brilliant showcase of the array of health and wellness services available here in town.”

David continued “At Tomorrow Wellness we were proud to sponsor this event and had a great week offering free blood pressure checks to attendees and raising awareness of Heart & Cardiovascular Preventative Health and Wellness”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said; “This was our second Health & Wellness Week organised in Knutsford and it was wonderful to see how it’s grown. Knutsford town centre has a varied health & wellness offering and this weeklong event posed as an excellent reminder of what services are on offer.

Sandra continued “If you were unable to attend and would like to learn more about a specific service please get in touch with the relevant business.”

Businesses and organisations involved include:

  • Helen Jones Nutritional Therapist
  • Sian Winslade Coaching
  • Guided Outdoor Adventures
  • Just Drop In
  • Satya Sanctuary
  • NC Health and Wellness
  • Soul Reformer
  • Elite Health
  • Wellness Webb
  • Find your Backbone
  • Nxtep Gym
  • Run Knutsford
  • Soul Reformer
  • Run Talk Walk Knutsford
  • Roberta Beauty Redefined
  • Healthwatch
  • Knutsford Hearing Centre
  • Stable Minds
  • Tomorrow Wellness
  • Parkletics
  • Clare & Illingworth
  • Cheshire Physical Therapy

Discover Knutsford this Christmas

Discover Knutsford this festive season for shopping, entertainment, and celebration!

The weekend of 30th November and 1st December welcomes the Christmas cheer with Knutsford’s Christmas Markets, two days of the finest artisan market stalls. Join us for great food, drinks, and Christmas spirit. 12-7pm Saturdays 30th November and 11-4pm Sunday 1stDecember.

Also, on Saturday 30th November the stage will be set for a full day of live entertainment featuring choirs from the local primary schools, dancing performances and local singers. The stage will be presented by Silk FM who, with the help of the Mayor of Knutsford and special guests, will switch on our Christmas Lights in Canute Place at 6pm. Headlining the event will be local band The Breakfast Club.

Catch a glimpse of Santa on his sleigh at 5.30pm as he makes his was along King Street, up Minshull Street to Canute Place where he will join the Mayor on stage. The Santa parade will feature music from City of Chester Brass Band and Anna and Elsa!

Children’s Adventure Farm Trust will be raising money for their charity (CAFT) in this year’s grotto which can be found on Silk Mill Street, outside the Market Hall. The grotto will be open Saturday 30th November 12-4pm and Sunday 1st December 11-4pm. No booking necessary.

We are grateful to our brilliant sponsors this year without whom the festive weekend would not be possible. Special thanks to Savills for sponsoring the Christmas Lights switch on, Bruntwood for sponsoring the Christmas Lights, Speedy Freight who sponsor our tree and Cygnet Health for their sponsorship of the Christmas Market.

This year’s Crib Service will take place on Saturday 7th December at 4pm. Join the Mayor’s Community Crib Service where the Mayor’s chaplain will bless the town crib and Christmas carols will be sung supported by the City of Chester Brass Band. The service begins at approximately 4pm.

Remember to pick up your Discover Knutsford Christmas Gift Guide from one of our local businesses or visit the Discover Knutsford team at the Christmas markets to grab up your copy!

For further information please visit www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or www.discoverknutsford.com or send an email to enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Notes

Photo credits – Tessa Carrol

Enquiries – alex.molloy@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Knutsford at Home

Knutsford was a mini ‘Ideal Home Exhibition’ on September 21st, with its home and interior design shops hosting its third Knutsford at Home Event. Knutsford at Home was sponsored by Slater and Gordon.

The event was a collaboration between the home and interior shops and businesses in the town centre and coordinated by Knutsford Town Council under their Discover Knutsford brand. It offered shoppers a ‘menu of inspiration’ including talks from artists such as Diane Marsland in Holly Johnson Antiques, an alcohol Ink Art workshop In Havwoods and a gardening talk by RHS Associate of Honour Sam Youd. There were also two ‘Ask the Architect sessions’ – Hive Architects in Arthur Lee and Bianca Morgan in Susie Watson Designs. The full list of shops taking part was, Arthur Lee Interiors, Detaljer, Havwoods, Holly Johnson Antiques, Kendal Quality Carpets, NaturalMat, Oil Art Advisory, Oka, RI Home, Sofas and Stuff, Susie Watson Designs and Terzetto Stone.

Helen Dufton co-owner of Arthur Lee said, “’This was our third Knutsford at Home event, and it was lovely to see our shop buzzing with customers both new and old. We opened our side terrace too so customers could enjoy the September sun. A huge thanks to everyone who popped into see us and our fellow Knutsford businesses.”

Andrea Young of Havwoods, said: ‘12 of our lovely clients attended our In Art workshop hosted by our very talented friend and amazing artist Louise Williamson aka Big Canvas Art. I have to say we were blown away by the unique art work that was created by a group of complete novices. Images of ocean landscapes, flower gardens, abstract and my very own atomic explosion. We also welcomed new customers to the showroom throughout the day. A big thank you to everyone who attended and also to Lyndsey Dyson for helping me host such a successful event.’’

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. A huge thanks to those who gave up their time to deliver the workshops. 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.”

A group of people sat on sofas inside Oka
Four ladies gathered around a table inside Holly Johnson Antiques
Flyer showing pictures of cakes and bunting

Picnic in the park- Big birthday bake off – Sunday 22nd September 12- 4

Join us and Knutsford Bake Club in the bake-off tent where you can purchase delicious cakes baked by Knutsford Bake Club (with all proceeds going to the mayor’s charities: The Welcome and Just Drop in).

You can also put your baking skills to the test by baking a birthday cake (or tray bake) to celebrate the 50th birthday of Knutsford Town Council.

If you would like to enter the competition, please bring your bread, cake or tray bake between 1-2pm. The Mayor of Knutsford will be judging entries at 2:30pm, with the winners taking home a gift voucher. All ages and abilities are welcome.

For more information, please email gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk