VISITORS from across the north west and beyond flocked to Knutsford to enjoy the first town-wide Heritage Open Days.

The events, which spanned four days from Thursday, September 8 to Sunday, September 11, celebrated 1,000 years of history from 1016 to the present day.

The open days, organised by the Knutsford Promenades Community Association, included a procession of vintage Rolls-Royces, the ‘last dance’ in the Royal George ballroom and a performance from Wax Lyrical- which is the first performance in the ballroom for 20 years as well as more than 30 additional events.

"Every event over the four days was a highlight with the Wax Lyrical singers rediscovering the amazing acoustics of the Royal George ballroom, and more than 700 taking part in Canute's Crossing," said co-organiser Sarah Flannery.

"Every session in the former Crown Court was packed, we could have booked tours of the six private houses which opened many times over, and Brasserie Blanc's events with Martin Bell and 'A Taste of Cranford' added an extra flavour to the heritage recipe which was to everyone's taste."

Canute's Crossing celebrated the town's legend that Canute came to Knutsford in 1016 and forded the River Lily.

King Canute, the Chester Vikings and Bexton Primary's mini-Vikings 'invaded' with their longboat across the Moor where they met Danish Consul Christian Wewer and Cheshire East Mayor, Cllr Olivia Hunter.

Russell Kirk, artist worked with volunteers to help visitors complete the special Canute Community Artwork, part of which had been created by visitors to Tatton Park for the Tour of Britain.

"What a week for Knutsford with the Tour of Britain stage finishing at Tatton Park and then a four day heritage festival," added co-organiser Julie Tempest.

"Brook Street Chapel and Tabley House, our key Grade I listed partners, who supported us in our pilot scheme to bring Knutsford's iconic buildings together, recorded record visitor numbers over the four days.

"The feedback has been stupendous both from Knutsfordians eager to see inside some of the town's landmark buildings and the hundreds of visitors who had never been to Knutsford and had a fantastic welcome from the property owners, the supporters and volunteers who helped us stage such a wonderful festival."