Welcome to the award winning Ilkley Chat!

Countdown to Christmas begins in Ilkley!

With less than 70 days to Christmas, preparations for the switch on of the Christmas lights in Ilkley on Saturday 24 November are well under way. This year the Town will be treated to a new lighting scheme which has been designed by Blachere Illumination UK Limited and the contractors are now busy preparing for the installation of scheme.

Once again Nick Hancock, the popular presenter of Stray FM’s breakfast show, will host a programme of entertainment by local groups during the afternoon and following the success last year, local traders will be selling their food and produce from stalls situated in the bandstand area.

The Father Christmas and children’s procession will assemble in the Memorial Gardens this year and the Town Crier will lead it along The Grove to Christchurch.

Guiseley Brass Band will herald the arrival of Father Christmas in his carriage at 5.00pm to switch on the lights. He will then invite the children inside to watch a film show whilst they wait to visit him in his grotto.

The Mayor and Ilkley Town Council invite you to join us in welcoming in The Festive Season.

Note Saturday 24 November in your diaries and be sure not to miss any of the fun we have in store for you. We shall be releasing more detailed information later.

Looking forward to seeing you all.