KNUTSFORD Pub in The Park is switching to a new venue following opposition from residents to the staging of the event on The Heath.

September’s event will play host to Tom Kerridge’s two Michelin-starred pub pop ups, alongside a range of other top UK pubs and top musicians.

However it will now no longer take place as intended on The Heath but at The Lambing Shed farm, café, butchery and deli in Chelford Road.

The move comes after a number of residents expressed concern about the choice of The Heath for Pub in the Park because of its common land status.

Cheryl Carroll, event director of Pub in the Park 2018 said: “We have welcomed feedback and listened to the concerns raised by neighbours of The Heath, and have worked with The Friends of the Heath, Knutsford Town Council and the Tatton Estate, which owns The Heath, and agreed we will move the venue for Pub in the Park this year.

“The move is a departure from The Heath, which had originally been identified as an ideal central space at the heart of the town.

“However, concerns have been raised over recent weeks by a few local residents about the use of this land.

“We are keen to support the local community and businesses, and very much want to work together to create a great festival for the people of Knutsford.

“In The Lambing Shed we are really excited to have found a great alternative space for the Pub in the Park.

“The owner’s dedication to championing local produce is a perfect fit for our foodie festival, and it is just a short walk from the town centre.”

A Tatton Estate spokesman said: “The Tatton Estate is disappointed that Knutsford is no longer hosting Pub in the Park.

“A number of issues have been raised which included partial or incorrect interpretation of a space that hosts events that are a key part of what makes Knutsford special.

“Discussions have identified other sites close to Knutsford both on and off the estate, but none have the same character at the heart of the town and its infrastructure, and this represents a great missed opportunity for Knutsford’s restaurants, bars and retail offering, as well as to raise funds to invest in the Heath.

“We nonetheless look forward to planning a number of other events with Brand Events and others across our portfolio that will help to drive the economy and visitors.”

The weekend-long event will take place from September 7 to 9. Local producers and talent will be celebrated, and The Lambing Shed will be present and help to shape the festival’s foodie content.

Alongside local stars the line-up includes other culinary and music talent including Tom Odell, Razorlight, Squeeze, Sophie Ellis-Bexter and Mel C taking to the stage, and superstar chefs Josh Eggleton, Paul Ainsworth, Angela Hartnett and Tom himself cooking up a storm.

Tom Kerridge and his fellow chef mates will be bringing a selection of top pubs and restaurants to serve their own versions of the best pub grub the UK has to offer, for £5 a dish.

Tom said: “I am delighted to be able to share the magic of Pub in the Park with the beautiful British town of Knutsford. Expect great food, brilliant music and an ace day out.”

Tickets cost £25 for the afternoon and £40 for the evening. Children’s tickets, VIP tickets and all weekend tickets are also available – visit pubintheparkuk.com.

Tickets to Pub in the Park are on sale now. For visitor information sign up to the Pub Club at pubintheparkuk.com

If you are interested in taking part in Pub in the Park as a pub, chef, stallholder or sponsor, please contact the organisers on info@pubintheparkuk.com or by calling 03300 555729