JOY and laughter filled the town as children enjoyed the first Knutsford FamilyFest.

A Barbie party, pop-up cinema, fancy dress competition and hair braiding were among the many free activities.

Mum-of-two Kaley Gibbon came up with the ideas as she who celebrates the first birthday of her children’s clothes shop, Mini and Moi on Minshull Street.

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Knutsford Guardian: Julia Chard, owner of Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe and Kaley Gibbons launch the festival outside her children's shop, Mini and Moi Julia Chard, owner of Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe and Kaley Gibbons launch the festival outside her children's shop, Mini and Moi (Image: Maria Cooper)

The 37-year-old said: “When I opened my shop a year ago, I was overwhelmed with how proactive and friendly the business community is.

“This, plus the number of young families living in our town, grew the idea that became FamilyFest.

Knutsford Guardian: Kaley with husband David and children Ivy and QuinlanKaley with husband David and children Ivy and Quinlan (Image: Supplied)

“It was lovely to see everyone come together for the event.

“It was such a great day with lots of smiling faces.

“There was so much choice, something for everyone to enjoy.”

Knutsford Guardian: Deputy mayor Cllr Colin Banks with Woody, provided by BunnyBusinessDeputy mayor Cllr Colin Banks with Woody, provided by BunnyBusiness (Image: Hannah Locke of Scene of Knutsford)

Glitter hair braiding and arts and crafts were offered at Mini and Moi.

Kaley said: “I could hardly get in my shop, we were so busy.

“Everyone turned out, it was a great day.

“The overwhelming support shows how much Knutsford needs this.

Knutsford Guardian: Katie Chaplin of Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe in the Barbie Box at Aperture DoorsKatie Chaplin of Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe in the Barbie Box at Aperture Doors (Image: Julia Chard)

“We will be doing the event again.”

Children’s party entertainers, BunnyBusiness sponsored the festival.

Managing director Emily Davies said: “BunnyBusiness was delighted to sponsor Knutsford’s first FamilyFest.

“We received such a lovely warm welcome from the town and couldn’t get enough of everyone’s energy and enthusiasm at our epic parties.

“Buzz and Woody had an awesome time meeting families and it was a superb day all round.

“Well done Knutsford Town Council for organising a successful event, here’s to next year.”

Julia Chard, owner of Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe said: “It was great to be part of Knutsford’s first FamilyFest.

“There was such a lovely atmosphere in the town with so many free activities to keep the kids occupied.

Knutsford Guardian: Lillie Carter of Aperture DoorsLillie Carter of Aperture Doors (Image: Julia Chard)

“Our facepainting and guess the number of sweets in the jar proved very popular.

“Well done to all businesses involved.

“I am looking forward to an even bigger FamilyFest 2024.”

JD Events provided decorations for the party and a selfie frame.

Mid Cheshire Youth Theatre hosted a meet and greet with Elsa and Anna from Frozen outside Smokehouse and Cellar.

Aperture Doors held a Barbie themed party to launch their new pink ‘Barbie’ door.

Sandra Curties, town centre manager, said: “The idea behind Family Fest was to offer a no or low-cost day out for families and we definitely delivered that.

“We are truly thankful to everyone who offered their time and services free of charge.”

Businesses taking part included Love to Craft Manchester, Hair By Katy, Wine and Wallop, Mini and Moi, Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe, Hal Whittaker, Nxtep Gym, Jazzy Smiles, Waterstones, Knutsford Library, Knutsford Fire Brigade, Knutsford Hosts, Charlie Norbury Photography, Scene in Knutsford and Lost and Found.