Cheshire Independent Issue 203

JULY 2025 6 Trust work is recognised TATTON Park Charitable Trust has been shortlisted for a prestigious award as it celebrates its 20th anni- versary year. The trust is in the running to become Charity of the Year in the North Chesh- ire Business Awards. Since its creation the trust has invested more than £418,000 in a diverse range of 58 projects across the historic Cheshire estate. From the restoration of paintings in the mansion through to restoring the steam engine house at the farm, funding a new collection of orchids in the garden’s glasshouses, opening a preloved book- shop, and refreshing parkland nature trails, the projects are designed to benefit visitors to Tatton Park. Recently the trust has focused on mak- ing Tatton more accessible to those in need. This initiative has provided an electric buggy to transport visitors across the site and subsidised travel for school educational visits from areas of need. It has also organised bespoke sen- sory education packs for children with additional needs to enable them to fully participate in Tatton’s award-winning education programmes. Steve Wilkinson, chair of the inde- pendent board of trustees, sad: “To be a finalist for the charity of the year is a tribute to our dedicated team of vol- unteers. Their shared passion and com- mitment enable us to help conserve and improve this special place for the benefit of current and future generations.” The trust’s biggest fundraiser is its pre- loved bookshop. Opened in October 2023, it has quickly become a popular addition to Tatton’s facilities. In its first year more than 15,000 pre-loved books were rehomed. It also provided volunteering opportunities for 30 local people, who between them deliv- ered 3,028 hours last year in sourcing donated books and running the shop year-round. Other projects include Tatton Park Gin, developed with Big Hill distillery in Mobberley, using botanicals uniquely sourced from Tatton’s gardens, and the farm’s animal adoption scheme. The trust is currently supporting work on a project to transform Tatton’s well- loved and well used playground. Festival hits the high notes! Show stoppers: The festival’s eclectic lineup entertained the crowds (Photo credit: Sadie@whitriggsadie) ORGANISERS have declared this year’s Knutsford Music Fes- tival a smash hit, drawing audiences from across the region and beyond. The four-day festi- val featured an eclectic lineup spanning folk, blues, gospel, and pop, transforming the town into a vibrant hub of live music and commu- nity engagement. Loca l busi nesses reported increased foot traffic and sales during the festival weekend, underscoring the event’s positive economic impact on the town. The folk programme, curated by BBC Radio presenter Mark Radcliffe, returned for its eighth year showcasing artists such as Katherine Priddy and Rusty’s Wild Rovers. Performances took place at St John’s Church and Knutsford Little The- atre, captivating audi- ences with intimate and heartfelt music. Music on the Moor, a free, open-air event. celebrated local talent, offering four hours of live music, craft workshops, and circus performances. Despite challenging weather conditions, the audience maintained high spirits, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm and support. Knuts- ford Town Council has now begun planning for next year and is calling on people to share what they would like to see on the programme. Events manager Laura Phillipson said: “A huge thanks to everyone who got involved and sup- ported this year’s events, especially to the ticket buyers and attendees of Music on The Moor. The weather was against us, but the crowd were in great spirits.” Suggestions and com- ments regarding next year can be directed to Laura at laura.phillipson@ knutsfordtowncouncil. Iconic venue: Historic Tatton Park