KNUTSFORD Promenades has been heralded as a success by residents and organisers.

The two-day event – bathed in glorious sunshine – was held in King Street on Friday and Saturday between 2pm and 4pm, and featured performances based on the town’s heritage from groups and schools based in Knutsford.

Robert Meadows, project director, told the Guardian it was clear that the town had embraced the event.

“I would like to thank everyone who took part in the Knutsford Promenades for their hard work and creative efforts to make this new event such a success,” he said.

“Particular thanks go to the Heritage Lottery Fund for their grant, the Knutsford Heritage Centre and its volunteers, Knutsford Town Council, and the Brook Street Chapel members who performed such an interesting opening piece.

“We were blessed by the weather and the overwhelming good humour of the town’s residents and businesses, who embraced the event.”

Sarah Flannery, who had the idea of staging the Knutsford Promenades, said: “Knutsford rose to the occasion, and it was fantastic to see such a vibrant celebration of the town’s heritage.

“It's impossible to single out individuals and organisations to thank, but I’d particularly like to thank the schools, who joined us with their interpretations of the memories we collected.”

Tatton MP George Osborne arrived on Saturday for the event, with former Tatton MP Martin Bell.

“We loved the Promenades, and congratulate everyone involved in organising such a brilliant day,” Mr Osborne told the Guardian.

“My daughter and I started at the Brook Street Chapel to see the short history of Knutsford and the re-enactment of Cranford. Then we made our way along Bottom Street, taking in bands, choirs, a John Wesley lookalike and Mrs Highwayman Higgins.

“It was a great advert for the town – well done.”

Architect Andrew Green of Blue Barnacles, who portrayed Richard Harding-Watt, said: “I’ve never taken part in anything like the Knutsford Promenades – it was an amazing experience.

“I was also particularly pleased that so many people were interested in the design of Knutsford and the elements which made Harding-Watt’s work so different in style to create the town’s amazing skyline.”

 

 

SOME traders were left angry after council officials closed part of King Street for the Promenades.

The road was closed between the entrance of the car park – opposite Church Hill – and Minshull Street on Friday and Saturday.

But some shop owners on the bottom part of the street were unhappy with the placing of the diversion sign.

Lynne Miller, from Black Rose, said she had no idea the event was taking place despite the organisers telling the Guardian leaflets detailing the two-day spectacle had been delivered to each business on the street.

“To close King Street on Friday and Saturday is not acceptable to the traders, and it affected us on both days,” she said. There should have been more communication to see if we were in favour of it.”

Steve McQuade, clerk for Knutsford Town Council, said some shop owners were unhappy with the sign that was placed near the railway bridge.

“The sign said ‘road ahead closed’ and was in the middle of the road directing people down Moorside, but the shop owners wanted it put on the pavement,” he said. “Shortly after I had a conversation with the shop owners they had put it on the pavement, so I had to put it back.

“Some traders felt the sign was diverting people away from their shops, but vehicles were still driving around the sign, and when they came to the car park entrance I was forcing them down into it.”

What did you think of the event? Email yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk