FLYING the flag for Knutsford Heritage Open Days, starting today,Thursday, is BBC Radio 6 Music DJ and Knutsford resident Mark Radcliffe.
Organisers of the four-day town-wide festival which starts today, Thursday, September 8, to Sunday, September 11, the Knutsford Promenades Community organisation, were delighted to be awarded a special flag by national Heritage Open Days organisers.
“We were one of just 14 events out of more than 5,000 sites and events showcasing heritage across England recognised for making a stand out contribution to the Europe and Us theme,” said Sarah Flannery.
Europe & Us is a summer and autumn National Trust programme celebrating and exploring the UK’s European historical, political and cultural links.
“Establishing links with the Danish Consul, a local Danish network, and the Danish school, Solbjergskolen, as well as the support of Rotary International in Knutsford, has added so much 2016 interest to our celebration of the Canute legend dating back to 1016,” said Sarah.
Mark Radcliffe was delighted to be invited to raise the flag on the Moor.
“I love living in Knutsford so much and it’s great to be part of celebrating its heritage,” he said.
“I may only have lived here for three years but I can’t imagine ever calling anywhere else home.”
Canute’s Crossing takes place on Saturday, September 10 from 2pm to 4.30pm when people will pay homage to the legend by crossing the River Lily alongside the Chester Vikings who will be giving Knutsfordians a feel for life as a Viking.
This is just one of the 34 sites and events which make up Knutsford Heritage Open Days’ extensive programme ranging from the special opening of the Royal George Ballroom, immortalised as Elizabeth Gaskell’s Assembly Rooms in her novel ‘Cranford’, to the ‘Value Your Valuables’ take on Heritage Open Days’ ‘Treasure Your Treasures’ theme when auctioneer Adam Partridge hosts his own antiques and curios roadshow at Don Giovanni’s King Street restaurant.
“So many groups including the Gaskell Society, Brook Street Chapel, the Tabley House Collection, numerous individuals and businesses who own some of the town’s most iconic buildings, have come together to make this a true community festival,” said Sarah.
“All the details about the four-day event can be found on our website, here.
“So many things are happening including a chat about Alison Uttley’s children’s books, the secrets of Victorian Beauty, music from 1,000 years ago at St Cross Church, sampling a Taste of Cranford with recipes from Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel – even the chance to dance in the Royal George Ballroom. There’s something for everybody to enjoy celebrating Knutsford’s heritage.”