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.

Kevin Jardine and Knutsford Christie Bears

Charity head shave for Christie Hospital!

A charity head shave at Knutsford Market Hall has raised over £1,500 for Christie Hospital.

Local resident Kevin Jardine volunteered to take part in the head shave, with Pino Tracanna, the Market Hall Barber. The shave took place on Saturday 27th May and was a fitting finale to the market hall’s Love your Local Market fortnight of promotions.

Kevin said, “I was delighted to take part in the charity head shave and raise money for Christie’s. Like many people, I have lost friends and family to cancer, and this is a cause close to my heart. To exceed the target is amazing. I would like to thank everyone who donated, including my friends who didn’t think I had much hair in the first place! A huge thanks to Pino, the market hall barber, the wonderful Christie Bears and Sandra Curties for organising.”

Before the headshave
After the head shave

The charity head shave originally had a target of £750 which was soon exceeded, and the total raised so far stands at £1,560. The shave was run in partnership with local fundraising group Christie Bears. Group member Val Pallister, said, “We loved getting involved in this fundraising event. Kevin was an absolute star. We fundraise throughout the year by holding several events, having a presence at various community events and via our knitting group. Please follow our Facebook page, Christie Bears Knutsford to find out more ”.

It is not too late to donate – the fundraising page is still open and can be found at: https://shorturl.at/aBIQ3

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

A group of people standing in Lost and Found

Flash Fashion hailed a success

May 20th saw Knutsford hold its third and most successful to date Flash Fashion event.  The spring sunshine brought residents and visitors alike into the town to shop for the latest spring/summer womenswear.

The day also saw the event’s first catwalk show held at The Lost and Found.  The show was introduced by Councillor Stewart Gardiner and kindly compered by Nikki Cartwright of Detaljer. The models were volunteers or friends of the boutiques taking part with dressers from Knutsford Academy and it proved the perfect way to start the day and the staff at the Lost and Found were the consummate hosts providing welcome drinks and discounted breakfast for guests.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “This was our first catwalk show and it was lovely to see the venue packed out – it was standing room only when the show commenced – with people enjoying their goody bags and taking photos of their favourite outfits, before venturing into town.”

Pauline Leadbetter, owner of Chalk 33 on King Street said, “This was my third Flash Fashion event and the most successful.  My customers enjoyed the fashion show and as soon as it finished my shop was busy all day with new and existing customers.  The day raised awareness of the Chalk 33 brand. What a lovely day for Knutsford.”

Roberta Dyer, of Roberta Beauty Redefined said, “We really enjoyed taking part in this event on both a personal and professional level! I tried my hand at modelling for The Edit for the catwalk show and afterwards had pop-ups at both Cocaranti and Willow Boutiques.  This worked great for both raising awareness of the Roberta brand and selling the Dermalogica range.  All in all, a fantastic day, and a true collaborative event across the town’s boutiques”

A selfie frame was placed in Cotton Shop Yard for shoppers to enjoy and a competition was run in partnership with Pulse of Perfumery for the ’best selfie’ taken on the day. This was won by local resident Lauren Leach who is to collect her bottle of fragrance from the King Street Perfumier direct.

Sandra Curties, continued, “We have received extremely positive feedback from everyone involved on the day.  We do these events to raise the profile of Knutsford as a shopping destination, increase footfall in the town, increase both revenue, and brand awareness for those involved and so far, it seems all criteria was met.”

Flash Fashion was sponsored by Knutsford Dry Cleaners which is celebrating its 30th year in business this year.  Mobberley Dental practice sponsored the catwalk show.

Amy Travis of Kanoa Living holds up a red dress

Flash Fashion lands in one week

Knutsford independent fashion shops have been busy putting the finishing touches to the third Flash Fashion Knutsford which takes place on Saturday 20th May.

Different for this year, the day commences at the Lost and Found at 10am with an informal catwalk show showcasing the latest spring/summer womenswear from a selection of independent fashion retailers. Guests can then peruse the shops and enjoy a variety of complimentary services instore including on-hand stylists, beauty treatments, a glass of fizz and goody bags.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “There is no need to pre-book onto the catwalk show, guests can just turn up and enjoy! We are looking forward to the day, each shop has worked hard curating their SS23 looks – from casual and beach holiday to workwear and special occasion. There is something for everyone and for every budget”.

The shops taking part on the day are:

  • The Edit Boutique
  • Cocaranti
  • Redress at Dexter and Jones
  • Blossom Boutique
  • Paris Ladies Boutique
  • Glamorous of Knutsford
  • Willow Boutiques
  • Smook Styling
  • Chalk 33
  • Milania Boutique
  • Roberta Beauty Redefined
  • Kanoa Living
  • Second hand Styling
  • The Thrifty Ginger at Cancer Research
  • Zapatos

A selfie frame will be placed in Cotton Shop Yard for shoppers to enjoy.  The best selfie using the hashtag #knutsford and tagging @pulseofperfumery and @flashfashionknutsford will win a bottle of fragrance from Pulse of Perfumery.  The winner will be announced on Tuesday 23rd May and will be asked to collect their fragrance from Pulse of Perfumery’s shop on King Street.

Sandra Curties, continued, “We would like to thank Hot Cocoa, Kanoa Living, Pulse of Perfumery and Roberta Beauty Redefined for providing items for the goodie bag and the volunteers helping with the fashion show.  It is truly a collaborative event.”

Maps will be available from shops and eateries around Knutsford shortly to allow shoppers to plan their day. There will also be free parking for the day at Silk Mill Street, King Street and Princess Street car parks from 10am.

Flash Fashion is sponsored by Knutsford Dry Cleaners which is celebrating its 30th year in business this year.

A man in an easter hat holding easter eggs

Knutsford Bunny Hop 2023

The Easter Bunny will be hopping into Knutsford soon as the town prepares for the return of its favourite Easter event Knutsford Bunny Hop!

The event will be back on Easter Saturday, 8th April 2023 between 10am – 4pm. Families can search for 10 bunnies which will be hidden around Knutsford Town Centre. Every bunny has a letter on it; find all 10 letters and spell out the hidden phrase on your entry form. Completed entry forms can then be submitted into our special postbox outside of Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe and you will be entered into a prize draw!

The event will feature extra entertainment and activities including balloon modelling, face painting, an Easter Bonnet Competition and more!

The event runs casually in the town centre and does not feature any road closures, so please ensure children are supervised at all times as there will be normal traffic flow through the town centre.

This year’s event is very kindly sponsored by Neptune Ltd, suppliers of fantastic furniture and kitchens, based on Chelford Road in Knutsford.

Announcements will be made over the next couple of months on social media, so follow the Bunny Hop on Facebook and Twitter or follow the Knutsford Town Council Instagram to keep up to date with news.

For any enquiries regarding the event, please contact enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929.

A graphic which reads Christmas Remembrance Service Sunday 11 December 4pm Tabley Hill Chapel

Christmas Remembrance Service

Knutsford Town Council and the Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton would like to invite members of the community to join a Christmas Remembrance Service.  The service aims to provide an occasion for families and friends to remember those who have been interred at Knutsford Cemetery in the past year.

We hope this service will have a relaxed and special atmosphere. Christmas songs will be performed by Knutsford Beats. Readings and poems will be shared with our guests and delivered by Reverend Nigel Atkinson alongside Nicola Marshall and David Briggs from Knutsford Together. Tea and biscuits will be served afterwards.

The service will be held at 4.00pm until approximately 5.00pm on Sunday 11th December 2022 at Tabley Hill Cemetery Chapel.

If you would like to come along then please respond to Amy Leech by 9th December, by email amy.leech@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or by phone on 01565 653929.

Vincent from the Cheese Yard holding a poster

Christmas Parking for 2022

Shoppers are encouraged to ditch the Trafford Centre and Amazon and take advantage of free parking in Knutsford this December.

Three of the town’s car parks will be free from 10am on Saturday 10th and Saturday 17th December – Silk Mill Street, King Street and Princess Street.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said “Knutsford boasts an amazing array of independent shops selling unique gifts for friends and family.  The shop windows are second to none, and in these difficult times we urge people to shop local and support our wonderful town”.

In addition, on December 15th Knutsford Town Mayor Mike Houghton, alongside Ian Cass of the Forum of Private Business will be visiting Knutsford shops to judge the best dressed Christmas window and handing out certificates and the coveted to the top three.

Uncovered bicycle parking is also available all year round at King Street car park near Tatton Perk, at Drury Lane and King Street near St John’s Church and the Town Council is working to provide a covered cycle shelter at Silk Mill Street for 2023.

Press Contacts:        Sandra Curties,

Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncentre.co.uk

01565 653929

Photo Credit:           Sandra Curties

Vincent Lazzerini of The Cheeseyard

A lady in a santa hat holds some leaflets

Santa in the Shop

Children are being urged to look out for Santa this Christmas, as he has been seen hiding in shop windows: Santa in the Shop is returning for the second year and will run throughout advent – from 1st to 24th December.

The Santa in the Shop trail encourages families to find a Santa hidden in twelve of Knutsford shop’s Christmas windows.  Entry forms can be picked up from Knutsford Library, Market Hall, Council Offices, and selected shops. When completed, the form can be dropped off at Santa’s special post box in Little Waitrose. All correctly completed forms will be entered into a prize draw with the winners announced in early January.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said: “This is a sweet and easy trail for Christmas, a great way of exploring our beautiful town and enjoying the Christmas lights and festive windows.  We hope families enjoy spotting our little Santas!”

If visiting the town centre by car do not forget there is free parking on Saturday December 11th December and 17th December from 10 am in Silk Mill, King and Princess Street car parks.

Press contact: sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Photo Credit: Sandra Curties

Stall at Market Hall with empty shelves

Join the Knutsford Market Hall Family

Calling all small businesses owners, entrepreneurs, and aspiring traders! There are currently two exciting opportunities for you and your small business to become a part of the Knutsford Market Hall family.

 

In Knutsford, we are proud to offer an array of local and independent retail opportunities. We believe in shopping small, shopping local and supporting the vitality of our town centre.

 

Knutsford Market Hall has been an active part of our community since 1964 and with a refurbishment looking to be undertaken, now is a great time to get your foot in the door, support the ongoing project and join what is already a fantastic group of traders.

 

We are currently searching for a trader to re-establish the options of occasional cards, balloons and more. The large space of stalls 10 & 11 is ideally laid out and readily equipped for a new owner to make it their own. The current monthly fees are £415.74 inc VAT.

 

Alanah Mudie, Town Centre and Marketing Officer explains: “This particular stall has been dearly missed by our regular customers. We always have people coming in to the Market Hall to ask who they can buy cards from. It would be fantastic to reinstate this stall, especially at such an exciting time for the market as we look to transform it with a new refurbishment.”

 

We are looking for traders who are available 4 days a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 8am-4pm, with the options to open on additional days with agreement.

 

Applicants are invited to discuss their idea with the  Town Centre and Marketing Officer on 01565 653 929 or alanah.mudie@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

 

Applications can be made online at: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/market-hall/trade where potential applications can find the current Market Hall Regulations which govern market licenses.

 

 

Photo                    Stall 10/11, Opposite the Market Butcher

 

Press contact:                    Alanah Mudie, 01565653929

                                                alanah.mudie@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Sabrina holding baby outfits

Sabrina’s Baby Boutique

An exciting, stylish, and affordable baby boutique can now be found at the heart of Knutsford Market Hall, thanks to Sabrina Cowley and her array of baby, toddler and childrenswear.

Sabrina’s Baby Boutique became the newest addition to Knutsford Market Hall at the beginning of April 2022. Sabrina prides herself on her exclusive selection of Spanish Baby Outfits, New-born Baby Wear, and other unique children’s clothes – including some bespoke pieces altered by Sabrina herself.

On the opening of her stall, Sabrina said: “Twenty-two years ago when I had my first child, there was nowhere in Knutsford that sold baby clothes. I didn’t drive and, in those days, it was either a train journey to Northwich or Altrincham. Being a single mother, I really struggled for money and my only way back then to buy clothes without having to travel was using a catalogue.

“Fast forward to the birth of my 3rd child in 2018, I had a brain wave of opening an affordable baby store, but motherhood was very busy. This year, there was the opportunity of a taking on a market stall at Knutsford Market Hall.

“I want to offer parents of Knutsford what I struggled to find – high quality baby and childrenswear at very affordable prices… especially with what’s happened in the last couple of years with covid; it has hit us all hard.

“Moving to the market has been a joyful experience. I know a lot of people in Knutsford and my family were born here. Every time I’m open there is always someone I know popping by. My grandad was a very good customer to Knutsford market they loved him. And I love meeting new people – everyone at the market is absolutely amazing and like family already!”

Alanah Mudie, the new Town Centre and Marketing Officer at Knutsford Town Council said: “It’s great to welcome new an exciting trader into the Market Hall and we recognise the importance of promoting high quality yet affordable options in a market full of independent, hard-working traders. Sabrina is the perfect addition to the growing family within the market.”

Be sure to head to Knutsford Market Hall, located on Silk Mill Street, to pay a visit to Sabrina’s Baby Boutique and all of the fantastic stalls, including:

  • The Market Café
  • Morgan Edwards Fine Wine & Spirits
  • Slipped Discs
  • Plastic Free Weigh
  • Deliveroot
  • The Market Butcher
  • Jonty’s Fruit & Veg
  • Style Loft Boutique

To find out more about what’s on offer at Knutsford Market Hall, head to www.knutsfordmarket.co.uk

Photo                                    Sabrina Cowley of Sabrina’s Baby Boutique

Press contact:                    Alanah Mudie, 01565653929

                                                alanah.mudie@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk