An exciting new fun-filled event is being launched in Knutsford this Saturday.
FamilyFest will give children the chance to enjoy lots of free activities from 10am to 5pm on August 5.
Mum-of-two Kaley Gibbons came up with the idea as she celebrates the first birthday of her children’s clothes shop, Mini and Moi in Minshull Street.
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The 37-year-old has teamed up with other retailers and Knutsford Town Council to organise a summer family festival.
Kaley said: “All sorts of different things will be popping up all over the town and everything is free.
“Parents can pick and choose activities depending on the age of their children.”
Attractions include a pop-up cinema at Wine and Wallop, a fire engine at Lost and Found and fancy dress competition at Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe.
Hal Whittakers will be hosting a Toy Story colouring competition, Arts and crafts and glitter hair braiding are on offer at Mini and Moi, the dream business fashion buyer Kaley opened after being made redundant during the pandemic.
The entrepreneur wants to thank the local community for all their support during her inaugural year.
Kaley said: “Local people have been amazing. I have some incredible customers.
“It has been a super hard time for all businesses here because of the economic climate but we have come together to support each other.”
After jetting all over the world capturing the latest trends for top high street stores, launching her own fledgling business whilst bringing up two young children has been challenging.
“The biggest learning curve is to have patience,” said Kaley, who has a 23-month-old daughter Ivy and son Quinlan, four.
“My husband David works as a plant manager. He leaves the house early and gets back late at night.
"The children and the business are my responsibility.
“Being a mum and keeping the business afloat has been a struggle.
“The children still have to come first.”
Introducing a play room and party space above the shop proved very popular but wasn’t feasible.
“It did break my heart to close it,” said Kaley. “Mums loved it but I couldn’t run both.”
Instead, she has now teamed up with other business mums to share the premises.
Creative stylist Lucy Norris, from Byley, runs Secondhand Styling UK in a studio above the boutique, encouraging people to shop, swap and appreciate secondhand clothes.
Knutsford mum Katy Collins, trading as Hair By Katy, cuts children’s hair and Gosia Potrzeba, runs a beauty bar, Go Glam Knutsford.
Kaley said: “This past year has been a whirlwind.
“I have had to try a lot of different things to get the business seen.
“I now have a stall on the monthly Makers Market and I’m going to trade again at Altrincham market.
“It is tough to survive.
“My dream has been a lot harder than I ever thought it would be.
“But I’m very lucky, I’ve achieved it and want to thank everyone for supporting me.
“Without you all, I wouldn’t still be here.”
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