Heritage Open Days draws enthusiastic crowds with rich history and unique experiences

Once again, the community of Knutsford have risen to the challenge of bringing to life the culture and heritage of the town as part of the annual Heritage Open Days festival. The event showcased the town’s rich heritage by opening some of Knutsford’s historical landmarks and attracting both locals and visitors from the across the North West to a wide variety of events.

Heritage Open Days is a national festival aimed at fostering an appreciation of local history and culture and Knutsford’s offer didn’t disappoint! Community members worked alongside Knutsford Town Council to create a jam-packed programme of free tours, talks, events and exhibitions.

One of the standout moments of the weekend was the opening of the old courthouse on Toft Road. Visitors were captivated by a historical tour and talk that included a visit to the underground cells and a special guest appearance from some historical characters!

Feedback from attendees at all events was overwhelmingly positive with one visitor to the area saying “We had a very good guide and heard lots of interesting tales about events in Knutsford! We really enjoyed spending time in the town!”

Alex Molloy, events manager at Knutsford Town Council said "There was real enthusiasm from the visitors showing how keen people are to learn about our local history. We hope that by sharing these stories and opening up these historic spaces, we can foster an even greater appreciation of Knutsford’s heritage."

Attendees were able to discover more of the town’s rich history with events at sites across the town.

Brook Street Chapel ran events across the whole weekend with a display of how the railway changed Knutsford and how Elizabeth Gaskell responded through her novels and the display included a model of Knutsford station which attracted visitors from a railway enthusiasts group.

The Curzon screened two showings of Knutsford: Tales of War and over the weekend the full interviews with the four stars of the film were released on the Town Council’s YouTube channel.

A number of ‘sold out’ walking tours visited Booths Hall and St Helena’s chapel, toured the historic coaching Inns that put Knutsford on the map in the 17^th and 18^th century and toured St Cross Church and the sites of the Cross Town manors. There was also two tours of the popular Knutsford Ghost Walk.

The original Egerton School was open for a talk on the town’s connection with Kenya through the Egerton family and another former school, Tabley House, once home to the Leicester family, opened its doors for free to visitors to explore their unique collection of paintings, furniture and memorabilia. Knutsford Library hosted a book talk on an exciting new book telling the history of Knutsford through a tour of its town centre streets.

The weekend presented just a sample of the town’s rich heritage and Knutsford Town Council hopes to run this event again next year. Anyone who would like to be involved in coordinating events as part of the weekend please contact Alex Molloy on alex.molloy@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk