Knutsford school ball at risk after Courthouse closure finds new venue

Knutsford Primary Schools Ball was due to be held at The Courthouse this summer.

The iconic building closed in January after owners Flat Cap Hotels went into administration.

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Thankfully, Stock Farm Wedding and Event Barn has come to the rescue.

The rustic setting will now host this year’s celebration on Friday, June 14, a day earlier than originally planned.

Helen Boardman, of Knutsford Primary Schools Ball organising committee, said: “When the original venue went into administration, the prospect of the event going ahead was hanging in the balance, putting at risk our much-needed fundraising plans.

Knutsford Primary Schools Ball committee, from left, Victoria Moore, Hanna Watson, Helen Boardman, Cathryn Walley and Angela Carroll (Image: Whitrigg Photography)

“Stock Farm and Event Barn and the team at Tatton Events in Ashley have come to the rescue and offered to host the 2024 at their beautiful event venue, offering, by way of support, a generous package to ensure our original fundraising budgets didn’t have to be compromised.

“We are incredibly relieved and grateful.”

The ball is run by a committee of volunteers from four Knutsford state primary schools, Bexton Primary School and nursery, Egerton Primary School, Manor Park Primary School and nursery and St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School.

Last year's ball had an Oscars Night theme (Image: Amy Hallam)

The event, now in its 22nd year, helps to fund resources for pupils aged from two to 11.

Last year, an Oscars Night themed ball raised £8,400.

Last year's ball raised £8,400 which was shared between four schools (Image: Amy Hallam)

This was shared between the four schools’ parent teacher associations, following a record number of corporate sponsors and brochure advertisers, as well as a very successful charity raffle and auction.

This year, up to 250 parents and supporters will be attending the annual fundraiser.

A Midsummer Floral Extravaganza is the theme of this year's ball (Image: Knutsford Primary Schools Ball)

Rachel Axon-Connolly, of Stock Farm Barn, said: “We can’t wait for guests to experience the most wonderful Midsummer Flora Extravaganza Ball with a drinks reception, magical dining in the grand barn under twinkling lights and then spilling out onto our lawned gardens or around cosy firepits whilst live music plays and people dance the night away.

Guests at last year's ball (Image: Amy Hallam)

“The opportunity to support local schools in their fundraising and at the same time provide the perfect backdrop to such a joy-filled celebration of community fellowship was something we felt very strongly we wanted to be a part of.”

Local businesses are encouraged to support the ball by promoting themselves to the families of more than 1,000 primary schoolchildren in Knutsford.

Organisers will publish a celebration annual publication which will be p

This unique ball brings the communities of four schools together (Image: Amy Hallam)rinted and distributed in July to every family attending each of the four schools.

Advertising can be placed in the brochure as well as opportunities to showcase brands in the form of sponsorship.

Tickets for the ball go on sale shortly.

The ball is open to individuals and businesses in the surrounding area.

More information about tickets, advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available by emailing knutsfordprimaryschoolsball@gmail.com.