Welcome to the award winning Ilkley Chat!

Carnival Creative Competition winner Sasha Wilkinson with Burley Oaks head Emma Learmonth and committee member Colin Watson Four young people have been announced competition winners after creating artwork which reflects Ilkley Carnival’s 2026 Children’s Books theme!   Burley Woodhead pupil Flora Steel (6), Saskia White (15) from Ilkley, Lily Cherrill (13) from Bradford Grammar and Sasha Wilkinson (11) from Burley Oaks Primary were voted category winners in this year’s Ilkley

St John's in Ben Rhydding will be holding a number of events on the theme 'Our Power, Our Planet' over the weekend 24-26 April to celebrate Earth Day. From its beginning on April 22nd 1970, Earth Day has become an annual, global event drawing attention to the state of the planet and conservation. It advocates environmental education and aims to encourage people to reduce their personal carbon footprints and support renewable energy initiatives in their communities. The weeken

Reform UK candidates for Ilkley & Addingham ward Reform UK has officially announced its three candidates for the newly formed Ilkley & Addingham ward in the Bradford District Council elections, scheduled for Thursday 7 May 2026. The candidates are: Craig Sanderson Greg Robinson Ray Lenik In a joint statement to the community, the candidates emphasised a return to "common-sense" local governance, pledging to end years of neglect by Bradford Council. In an open letter to reside

Wharfedale Scout District holds its annual St George's Day parade and service Wharfedale Scout District held a St George's Day Parade and Service in Ilkley on Sunday 19 April 2026. Groups from 2 nd  Otley, Otley Bridge, Otley Methodists, Menston, Ilkley 1 st Ben Rhydding, Ilkley Christchurch and Addingham joined together at Ilkley's Riverside and All Saints Church to celebrate Scouting’s Patron Saint St George. Organised by the Addingham Group, a re enactment of The Story of

Organisers of the Ilkley Food and Drink festival have confirmed the full live music programme for their seventh annual celebration returning to the riverside setting on 13 & 14 June 2026. ABBA and Bruce Springsteen tribute acts, alongside a diverse showcase of local soloists, community-groups and bands will performer across the weekend on East Holmes Field. These announcements coincide with recently-revealed plans for a brand-new arena, set to offer an eclectic mix of free

Work is underway to replace the windows at the Clarke Foley Community Hub The Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley has welcomed the start of a significant building improvement project this week, as work begins on replacing the original 1970s windows in its large and small halls. The existing aluminium-framed windows were installed when the building was constructed over five decades ago. While they have stood the test of time, many of the frames now suffer from blown double gl

photoILKLEY is back this year for its second edition and with it comes the return of its Young Photographer Competition. The event is possible thanks to funding from Ilkley Town Council. The Young Photographer Competition is open to everyone aged 19 and under, and invites children and young people to share their own way of seeing the world through photography and to be part of a grassroots festival that celebrates creativity, curiosity and visual storytelling. This year’s th

Wharfedale Fine Cheeses at Real Markets on The Grove Ilkley will gain another independent shop this weekend with the opening of Wharfedale Fine Cheeses on Church Street. A founder of and regular trader at Real Markets, Jeremy announced the plans at the start of March and just over six weeks later is ready to open the doors on Saturday, 18 April. Confirming the opening day on the business Facebook page , he said: "Our first official day will be this coming Saturday 18th April

Thousands of families across the Bradford district, including Ilkley, Addingham and Burley-in-Wharfedale, have received their school offers today on National Offer Day. Bradford Council say the vast majority of children who are due to start primary school in September have been offered a place at their first‑choice school. A total of 6,449 applications were received for primary school places this year. Of those, 5,961 children (92%) have been offered their first‑preference sc

The old sign which was removed last month Plans have been submitted to Bradford Council to install a new short advertising totem at Starbucks in Ben Rhydding after it was forced to removed the previous totem. In 2025, the company installed a nine metre totem without consent and was subject to many complains and objections from residents, with planners saying it was a 'disproportionate and discordant feature'. A retrospective application was refused and the sign was eventually

Ilkley Town AFC Women [Photo: broganphoto.uk] Ilkley Town AFC has appointed Rich Walker as its new Women’s First Team Manager.   The current Brighouse Town AFC Women’s U23s Manager and Bradford City Girls U15s Lead Coach will join the club ahead of pre-season.   Rich said: “I’m honoured to take up the role of Women’s First Team Manager at Ilkley Town, It’s a club of real stature with an outstanding reputation and a genuinely positive commitment to the growth of girls’ and wom

Explore Ilkley's health resort heritage on foot with this guided walk led by Ilkley Civic Society Local History Hub. Starting from Ilkley Manor House, this walk on Saturday 25 April will take you to see the historic spa hydro buildings that made Ilkley famous as a Victorian health destination. Learn about the architecture, the people, and the stories behind these buildings. Meet Ilkley Civic Society's Alex Cockshot outside the Manor House at 2pm. This is an outdoor walking ev