AS group of people dining alfresco in Knutsford

Alfresco Dining returns to Knutsford Town centre this summer

Alfresco Dining returns to Knutsford Town Centre this summer

Five evenings of alfresco dining will take place in Knutsford over the summer through July, August and September.

Minshull Street will close to traffic along with parking bays on Princess Street on 21st July from 6pm until 10:30pm to allow for restaurants, bars and cafes to place tables and chairs outside for outdoor dining. On Saturday 22nd July, a section of King Street will be closed to traffic from 6pm to 10:30 pm. Minshull Street will be closed for a further three Saturdays, 29th July, 26th August, 16th September to host alfresco dining between 12noon and 10:30pm.

Knutsford Town Council has collaborated with town centre restaurants and cafes to organise the road closures and allow for large scale outdoor dining evenings throughout the summer. Amberon 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 on this scale in Knutsford took place in September 2021 as part of the Town Councils work supporting local business during post lockdown recovery.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “In 2021 we had a positive response to the alfresco evenings from customers and restaurants alike. We are excited to be able to bring them back for 2023.”

The Minshull Street and Princess Street closure takes place from 6pm to 10:30pm on Saturday 21st July and covers the following areas.

  • The entire length on Minshull Street
  • Selected parking bays on Princess Street
  • The section of Princess Street outside Lost & Found.

The King Street, road closure takes place on 22nd September from 6pm to 10:30pm and covers the following areas:

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

Minshull Street will also be hosting three afternoon sessions from 12pm to 10:30pm on July 29th, August 26th and September 16th. Amberon will provide traffic management services throughout each road closure.

The following venues will be providing alfresco dining or drinking tables from 6pm to 10.30pm –

Princess & Minshull Street (21st July)

  • Café on the Corner
  • Lost & Found
  • April’s Kitchen
  • Project 53
  • The Angel

King Street (22nd July)

  • Morgan Edwards
  • Gusto
  • Smokehouse and Cellar
  • King Street Kitchen
  • Piccolino
  • Wine and Wallop
  • Café on the Corner

Minshull Street (29th July, 26th August, 16th September)

  • Project 53

Sandra continues “These evening 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”.

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’s and the participating venues social media platforms.

Person with a Selection of Thai Food

Kanom Thai new stall holder at Knutsford Market Hall

A taste of Thailand can now be found in Knutsford, with Knutsford Market Hall welcoming its newest stallholder, Kanom Thai. The new trader, Kritsana Hatsadee offers an authentic selection of Thai cakes, pastries and desserts all handmade by Kritsana herself. This includes her signature moon cakes, a traditional Thai pastry.

Kritsana said “I am excited to be at Knutsford Market Hall and offer a snapshot of authentic Thai sweet treats. As a native of of Udon Thani, Thailand, I grew up learning from multiple generations of outstanding cooks and am proud to share my cuisine with the people of Knutsford”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are delighted to have Kritsana join our Market Hall family. With the addition of the dessert range from Kanom Thai, we have a dynamic and unique food offering in the market that is a must to experience”

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

Group of people outside a restaurant in Knutsford

Family Fest added to Knutsford’s summer events calendar

A new family friendly event, Family Fest, is coming to Knutsford this summer taking place across the town’s shops, restaurants, and community spaces. The Town Council has collaborated with local businesses to organise a day jam packed with activities.

On the 5th August, attendees keen on sports can enjoy family workouts with Chris Nicklin of Nxstep Gym and join in a sledge track push Challenge at Nxstep Gym. There will also be a party time session full of party games and dancing hosted by Cheshire based party planner, Bunny Business at Charlton Lodge.

For the creatives, Knutsford Olde Sweet shop will be holding a fancy-dress competition, judged by Woody from Toy Story and Knutsford Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan, alongside free face painting. Mini and Moi will have craft workshops and hair braiding. There will also be a colouring competition judged by Buzz Lightyear at Hal Whittakers – colouring sheets can be collected during the week leading up to the event from Hal Whittakers or Sabrina’s Baby and Toddler Boutique.

For families who would like to slow down the pace there are story time sessions at Knutsford Library and Waterstones. Wine and Wallop will be screening the classic family film, Toy Story at their pop-up cinema.

Knutsford Fire Station will appear with their fire engine on Princess Street outside The Lost & Found (pending any emergencies). Families can view the fire engine and meet the fire fighters. At Lost & Found attendees can enjoy live music, street food plus there will be a family photographer available to take a family portrait.

Julia Chard owner of Knutsford Olde Sweetshop said “We are so excited about this summer event. Family Fest is full of fun activities for kids of all ages and interests. It’s great to be taking part in another fabulous Knutsford community event.”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said “There is so much in the programme for Family Fest and as most activities are free it is a brilliant purse friendly day out during the school holidays. For some activities spaces are limited so keep an eye on social media and look out for flyers with instructions for prior booking”

Businesses taking part include;

  • Nxstep Gym
  • Mini & Moi
  • Knutsford Olde Sweet Shop
  • Wine & Wallop
  • Hal Whittaker
  • Sabrina’s Baby & Toddler Boutique in Knutsford Market Hall
  • Waterstones Knutsford
  • Knutsford Library
  • Lost & Found
  • Bunny Business

The event is kindly sponsored by Bunny Business.

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.

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.