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Ilkley News


McDonald's granted permission to open earlier
McDonald's between Ilkley and Burley-in-Wharfedale has been granted permission to open earlier. The revised hours will allow the restaurant and takeaway to open earlier, from 6:30am instead of 8:00am, while retaining its existing midnight closing time. The application received a number of representations during the decision-making process. Supporters welcomed the earlier opening time, highlighting that opening at 6:30am was not unreasonable. They also identified the potential
2 minutes ago


Birthday card appeal as 'The Luckiest Soldier of WWII' turns 102
Rex turns 102 on Saturday, 14 November 2026 Greenholme House Care Home in Burley-in-Wharfedale is calling on the local community to help make one very special resident’s 102nd birthday a celebration to remember! On Saturday 14 November, Rex, affectionately known as 'The Luckiest Soldier of WWII', will reach the incredible milestone of 102 years old, and the team at Greenholme House wants to make sure he feels truly celebrated. The team is inviting local businesses, schools, c
17 hours ago


Review: 50 strong cast shines in The Prince of Egypt
The Prince of Egypt [Photo: Owen Photography] Review: Ilkley Musical Theatre Society, The Prince of Egypt, The Musical at King's Hall, Ilkley, 4-7 November 2026 By Geoffrey Mogridge The Prince of Egypt is a spectacular stage musical adaptation of the iconic 1998 DreamWorks animated film. The soaring musical score and lyrics are by legendary composer Stephen Schwartz, from the book by Philip LaZebnik. Based on the biblical book of Exodus, one of the greatest stories ever told
17 hours ago


Local travel expert gives back to the Clarke Foley Community Hub
John Redding from John Redding Designer Travel A local travel specialist who has called Ilkley home for 47 years is giving back to the community by becoming a Gold Sponsor of The Clarke Foley Community Hub. John Redding, an independent travel expert with Designer Travel, has supported the work of The Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley for many years and is delighted to now be able to contribute directly to the organisation's future. Having lived in the area since 1979, John
2 days ago


Leeds legends head to Ilkley for a special night of football memories
Lee Bowyer, Nigel Martyn and Ian Harte to take centre stage at King's Hall, Ilkley, on Thursday 4 March 2027. Football fans are in for a very special evening as three Leeds United legends – Lee Bowyer, Nigel Martyn and Ian Harte – head to Ilkley for an entertaining night celebrating their remarkable careers at Elland Road. The event, titled An Evening with Leeds United Legends, promises an unforgettable trip down memory lane, featuring fascinating stories, dressing-room antic
2 days ago


Ilkley author publishes twentieth novel
Alan Reynolds at The Grove Bookshop Ilkley-based, award-winning author, Alan Reynolds, has published his twentieth novel, Seong. The new thriller was published last month by Fisher King Publishing and is described as 'a taut, atmospheric thriller of survival, pursuit, and courage in the face of relentless violence.' The book follows Seong, who vanishes from South Korea, where she believes she has left her nightmare behind: a brutal gangster husband, a life ruled by fear, and
2 days ago


Conveyancing specialist celebrates 10 years with Ilkley office launch
The Lester Campbell Team at their launch - Tracey, Jade, Jess & Lucy Independent conveyancing specialist Lester Campbell has celebrated the opening of its new Ilkley office as the award-winning firm marks ten years in business. Established in Leeds in 2016 by solicitors Jade Campbell and Rodney Lester, the firm specialises in residential and commercial conveyancing, and have opened their new premises in Ilkley at Victoria Works on Little Lane. The business welcomed guests fro
2 days ago


Nominations open in MP's Small Business Awards
2025 Ilkley winner Jackie McGarry from Jacqui Mac Medispa with MP Robbie Moore Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has launched his 2026 Small Business Awards, asking the public to vote for their favourite small independent business. The competition will award four businesses the accolade of Best Small Business for the areas of Keighley, Ilkley, the Worth Valley and Craven, before an overall winner of the four is announced. Last year, local greengrocers Oliver and Green in Silsden took
3 days ago


Ilkley Food and Drink Festival announces 2027 dates
Dates confirmed for 2027 Ilkley Food and Drink Festival [Photo: Jack Biggin Photography] Ilkley Food and Drink Festival will return to East Holmes Field on 12–13 June 2027, celebrating its eighth year with refreshed entertainment, improved production and new family activities. The festival will showcase more than 100 independent businesses, featuring Yorkshire food, artisan markets, street food, independent bars and global flavours. Visitors can enjoy four live stages, includ
4 days ago


Public meeting, China and climate challenge, what does it mean for UK?
Dr Clare Richardson-Barlow Climate Action Ilkley is hosting a free public meeting entitled ‘The China Climate Question: What China’s energy transition means for the rest of the world - and the UK’. The event on Wednesday 18 November will be at the Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley from 7:30pm to 9pm The speaker will be Dr Clare Richardson-Barlow from the University of Leeds, who is ideally placed to address this question. She is a Lecturer in the Global Politics of Chi
4 days ago


MP launches Christmas Card Competition
Robbie Moore MP presents last year’s winning card to the Leader of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP Local MP Robbie Moore has launched his annual Christmas Card competition, inviting primary school-aged children across Ilkley to get creative and design this year's festive card. The winning design will feature on the front of Robbie's annual Christmas Card, which will be sent to thousands of local residents and businesses across the constituency. It will also be sent
4 days ago


The Hall Brothers celebrate 35 years of music with special anniversary show
Local brothers Nick and Duncan Hall mark 35 years performing together with a special anniversary concert on Saturday 14 November. Brothers Nick and Duncan Hall, who grew up in Draughton, are celebrating an impressive 35 years of making music together with a special anniversary performance at Ilkley Playhouse. Since first performing together in 1991, the duo have built a reputation for their distinctive blend of soaring sibling harmonies, virtuoso guitar playing and infectious
4 days ago
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