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The Rotary Recycle Day held at the Central Car Park in Ilkley on Saturday has once again proved a resounding success, with local residents donating a huge range of items for charities and community projects. The sunny weather on Saturday 26 September may have helped bring people out, but it was the continued generosity of the people of Ilkley and surrounding areas that made the event such a success. Among the donations collected were: 60–70 bicycles, together with dozens of m

Tickets are now on sale for Ashlands Bonfire, returning on Saturday 7 November for its special 40th anniversary celebration. The family-friendly event promises its biggest-ever fireworks display, alongside the traditional bonfire, food, drinks and entertainment. The evening has become a firm fixture in the Ilkley events calendar with tickets historically selling out, organisers are encouraging people to book now to avoid missing out. Gates open at 5.30pm, the bonfire is lit

Artist Anji Timlin [Photo:: Daniel Johnson Gray] Ilkley Manor House will host a unique evening of live music and painting on Friday 9 October, bringing together audio visual duo Latterhand and artist Anji Timlin. Set among Timlin’s large-scale River Wharfe paintings, the event forms part of CONDUiT – Wharfespeed, her current exhibition celebrating the river, its landscapes and communities. Bradford-based Latterhand will create an evolving ambient soundscape using piano, violi

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Pat's Party donated £5,500 to Save the Children – £5,500 The organisers of Pat’s Party have confirmed it will return on Saturday 26 June 2027, following another hugely successful event this year that raised a record-breaking £15,200 for charity. Pat’s Party 2026 once again brought the local community together for a memorable afternoon of live music, delicious food and drink, and family entertainment. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, donated and helped make t

Ilkley Walk Raises £1,500 for Alzheimer’s Research More than 50 walkers took part in a sponsored walk organised by Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary Club on Sunday 20 September, raising over £1,500 for Alzheimer’s Research UK. On a beautiful sunny day, the walkers gathered at East Holmes Field, proudly wearing their orange T-shirts, before setting off along the River Wharfe. The route took the group towards the first of Ilkley’s three bridges, the Swing Bridge, before continuing to th

Ilkley Library is inviting the local community to celebrate its refurbished space with a special opening event, followed by an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) film experience for visitors of all ages. The Opening Celebration will take place on Saturday 3 October, giving the community the opportunity to explore the newly refurbished library while enjoying an afternoon of music, poetry, refreshments and displays celebrating Ilkley’s rich literary heritage. The celebrations will

Ashiana manager Forhad Miah Ashiana Indian Takeaway in Ilkley is celebrating after being named a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026 winner, placing the business among the top 10% of businesses worldwide on Tripadvisor. The award is based on reviews and opinions from Tripadvisor travellers around the world, and for owner and manager Forhad Miah, the recognition is a proud moment for a small independent business that has built its reputation by putting customers first: F

Mason Jones died after he was stabbed in Burley-in-Wharfedale in March A man has been sentenced after being found guilty of manslaughter in Burley in Wharfedale. Mason Jones aged 30, died after he was stabbed in the stomach shortly before 10am on Sunday 1 March on Iron Row which is just off Main Street in Menston. Mason who was from Bournemouth, died in hospital later that afternoon. On Friday (25 September) John Robinson aged 30, of Derry Hill, Menston was cleared of murder

James Taylor tribute band Fire and Rain play Ilkley Playhouse on Friday 20 November. Fringe production North Country by Bradford writer Tajinder Singh Hayer runs until 26 September in the Wildman Studio at Ilkley Playhouse. Inspired by sci-fi and local history, the play imagines a post-pandemic world where three teenagers from different cultural backgrounds work together to rebuild their community. The production forms part of a new writing project exploring local history, me

Darcey Milsted and Aimi Donohue at Olive Lounge Travel Independent travel agency Olive Lounge Travel has opened a new branch on Leeds Road in Ilkley and will celebrate with a special opening day on Friday 2 October. The branch officially opened on 1 September and is led by Retail Operations Manager Aimi Donohue and Travel Consultant Darcey Milsted. The team offers everything from package holidays to bespoke trips, including flights, accommodation, transfers, car hire and rail

Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton visits ILF on 11 October Ilkley Literature Festival 2026 returns from 2–18 October, bringing nationally acclaimed authors together with a strong showcase of Yorkshire’s literary talent. This year, one third of participating authors have Yorkshire connections, highlighting the county’s contribution to literature. Local highlights include Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton, custodian of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and star of Steam Train Diaries, sharing stor