Welcome to the award winning Ilkley Chat!

Ilkley Musical Theatre Society’s production of Annie opens this week at the Kings Hall, Ilkley, and the IMTS can’t wait to welcome you! After months of rehearsals, set building, costume making and plenty of hard work from the incredible cast and crew, the stage is set for a truly feel-good show packed with energy, heart and unforgettable songs. With a cast of 42 performers aged 7 to 80+, over 100 costumes and props, and a unique comic-book inspired design, this is Annie like

Following the success of last year's Yorkshire Day celebrations in Ilkley, plans are underway for another two day music extravaganza with an appeal going out for performers. On Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August there will be two stages, a main stage at the end of The Grove near St James's Road and an acoustic stage on The Bandstand. Ilkley Live are curating the music programme again and would love to hear from singers and bands who would like to perform. A full PA system will be

Tickets are now on sale for Ilkley Pride 2026, as the event celebrates its 5-year anniversary with its biggest and most exciting programme yet. Taking place on Saturday 27 June , Ilkley Pride will once again transform the town into a vibrant hub of inclusivity, community, and celebration, with all funds raised supporting the ongoing work of Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group and future community initiatives. The day begins with the Pride flag raising ceremony at 11:30am at the Br

Tickets available for author events at The Grove Bookshop The Grove Bookshop has announced three author events in the coming weeks. On Thursday 23rd April they welcome poet and novelist Rachel Bower, who will be discussing her fiction debut,  It Comes from the River .   The book tells the story of three women, Alex, Lauren and Nancy, who are trapped in their own lives, swept along by forces beyond their control. But there's another character in the book, beckoning, menacing,

A deeply moving performance of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater will take place at St Margaret’s Church in Ilkley on Friday [10 April] at 12.30pm, as part of the church’s monthly lunchtime recital series. Composed in 1736 during the final months of Pergolesi’s life, Stabat Mater is one of the most enduring sacred works of the eighteenth century. Written when the composer was just 26 and living in a Franciscan monastery in Pozzuoli, the work quickly gained widespread

The Northern Swing Orchestra, a renowned 16-piece big band, returns to the Kings Hall on Saturday 9 May, for a special tribute to the legendary bandleader Glenn Miller.   Miller, one of the most successful bandleaders of the 1930s and 1940s, is celebrated for iconic hits such as “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, “A String of Pearls”, “Moonlight Serenade”, and “Tuxedo Junction”.   Audiences can look forward to an evening of classic big band favourites, including “Little Brown Jug”, “Ca

Mr & Mrs Charles Darwin outside the Manor House This Saturday, 11 April, Ilkley Manor House is hosting two events, a talk and free family fun. The first in the morning is a talk, Keeping the Manor House Warm , by local historian Alex Cockshott. A spokesperson said: "Have you ever wondered how such a building was heated during different phases of its use? Alex will present how the Manor House was heated throughout the centuries. "The talk will discuss how the Old Castle (now M

Ilkley will once again come alive with speed, energy, and community spirit as the much-anticipated Ilkley Cycle Races return on Friday 3rd July.   The annual event promises a thrilling evening of competitive cycling, attracting riders and spectators from across the region and beyond.   Set against the scenic backdrop of Ilkley’s town centre streets, the races will feature a fast-paced circuit designed to challenge riders and entertain crowds.    This year’s programme showcase

Following the success of the half-term events, Ilkley Board Games is back for Easter, with another afternoon of board games at All Saints for teenagers and children of all ages, plus their parents and carers. This Wednesday afternoon, 2-5pm, at All Saints Church in Ilkley, people are welcome to pop in for one game or stay all afternoon. Organisers say: "We'll have a wide range of games for different interests and abilities, and hosts to help you find one that suits you and ex

First held 2012, the White Rose Classic Cycling Sportive organised by Ilkley Cycling Club returns on Sunday 31 May 2026. Often described by many past participants as Yorkshire's 'premier' sportive, it starts and finishes at Nell Bank in Ilkley and features four fully supported routes from 37 miles to an epic 125 miles. All routes are signed on the road, with well-stocked feed stations, mechanical support and first aid throughout. The event village at Nell Bank offers refreshm

In its 25th year, The Ilkley Bandstand 2000 Trust, the charity that runs Ilkley Bandstand, has announced the programme of artists performing during its Jubilee year. Stating Easter weekend and running through until the end of summer and beyond, there's an eclectic mix from big bands to solo performers, folk music to jazz, and youth choirs to seniors instrumental groups, The programme below is subject to change, The calendar of events for each weekend from April to October are

Owen Diaram performing a live demonstration [Photo: Stephen Midgely Breakpoint Media] Organisers of the Ilkley Food and Drink Festival have confirmed the full Live Cookery Theatre line-up for their seventh annual celebration, set to take place on the 13 and 14 June at East Holmes Field. Delivered in partnership with Yorkshire Food Guide, the festival will spotlight some of the region's most exciting culinary talent, with nine different experts from leading restaurants and bus

Rehearsal are underway for Calendar Girls The Musical opening 22nd April An exciting line-up in April at Ilkley Playhouse includes Calendar Girls The Musical, the thriller Bindweed and music from After Hours Quintet and The Hooliemen. Caroline Mutton takes a look for Ilkley Chat. Visiting theatre company, Rise and Howl Collective Productions, present Martha Loader’s compelling new theatre production Bindweed on 10th and 11th April in the Wildman Studio. Four men convicted of

Tyson Kelly as John Lennon coming to the King's Hall The Internationally acclaimed John Lennon performer Tyson Kelly is bringing his 2026 UK tour to Ilkley next month. Renowned for his portrayal of John Lennon in ‘Let It Be’ on Broadway and performing as Lennon with the celebrated Beatles Tribute act ‘The Bootleg Beatles’ for seven years, Tyson's uncanny look and sound-a-like embodies Lennon’s voice, presence and artistry with remarkable authenticity. In Imagine Lennon, at th

Rave On: The Ultimate 50s and 60s Experience returns to Ilkley on Thursday 30 April. Back for another year to the King's Hall and jam-packed with more classic hits than ever before, the live band performs note perfect renditions of the most loved sounds from the decades that gifted us Rock and Roll - with hits from the likes of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Connie Francis, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, Lulu, The Beach Boy and many more. From the emergen

Ricky Balshaw is frontlining Stagefright this weekend This coming Saturday, 28 March, Stagefright Comedy Club returns to the Wildman Studio at Ilkley Playhouse, we look ahead to the line-up and what else is on in April. The event will be frontlined by Midlands Comedy Award Winner Ricky Balshaw. He has been described as ‘a fascinating fusion of witty observations and storytelling’ (The Times). Joining him is Slim, who has appeared on Live at the Apollo, Live at the Hackney Emp

New trails exploring Ilkley's watery heritage will launch on Saturday, 28 March. A group of retired ex-teachers have been inspired by the new fountain to create new trails, which explain to children how it works, and also how the nature and science of water has shaped our town. Chris Oxlade, a published children’s author, has helped to create two walks which include a challenge for children and visitors. The trails map has an accessible Riverside Walk, suitable to pushchair

Alan Titchmarsh at the opening of the new fountain in April 2025 The Ilkley Flower Show will make a triumphant return on Saturday 19 September at All Saints Church, featuring renowned garden writer and broadcaster and IFS president Alan Titchmarsh CBE as guest judge.   Now in its 67th year, the community-focused event will bring horticulture, arts, food and family-friendly competition back to the heart of Ilkley with a full day of displays, stalls and activities.   This year’

King Duck training his ducks in the Ilkley fountain King Duck is getting his ducks all in line ready for next month’s Great Ilkley Duck Race. Organised by the Ilkley Wharfedale Club Rotarians who are hoping to sell all 6000 yellow ducks this year race on Saturday 18 April. Ducks are launched into the River Wharfe from the New Brook Street Bridge and be swept along to a finish line 350m downstream.   The first ducks into the water at 2:15pm will be the red ducks taken by 100 b

This Easter, Ilkley BID is inviting families to explore the town centre with a fun-filled Easter Bunny Trail! From 28 March to 12 April, children and adults alike can join the hunt for Flopsy bunnies, hiding in 16 local shops across Ilkley. One lucky winner will take home a giant Ostrich Egg, weighing over 1kg, generously donated by Hotel Chocolat on Brook Street. Jos Mountcastle, BID Communications Officer, said: “We’re inviting families to explore Ilkley over the Easter hol