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Ilkley News


Ilkley charity dog walk for Manorlands
Ilkley Old Bridge [Photo: Alex Walsh] The Ilkley Manorlands Fundraising Group are organising a fun 'Paws For Manorlands' charity walk at the end of May and local dog walkers are invited to take part. Taking place on Sunday 31st May, the Ilkley Three Bridges Walk is a mostly flat circular route along the River Wharfe, making it suitable for all ages and abilities, and takes around 45 minutes. The walk will start at 10.15am from Ilkley Moor Vaults on Stockeld Rd, where it will
May 20


Zip the Cow is back with a brand‑new ‘mooon‑lit’ experience
Zip the Cow is taking place on Saturday 11 July Thrill‑seekers are invited to take on a high‑speed zip wire challenge over Ilkley Moor this summer, with a new option to Zip the Cow by twilight in a special ‘mooon‑lit’ session. Zip the Cow, taking place on Saturday 11 July 2026, will see brave challengers walk to the top of the iconic “cow” at the Cow and Calf Rocks above Ilkley before launching themselves down a 270m zip slide, reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. For
May 19


Free family Open Day at Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club
Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club has announced a free Family Open Day, 1pm until 4pm, on Saturday 6 June, ahead of the Lexus Ilkley Open which starts the following day. Across the afternoon there will be fun for all the family, including the chance for adults and children to join in free bookable tennis and padel sessions for all levels of experience. Included there will be 'LTA Youth Start', a fun taster class for kids aged 4–16 who are new to tennis or have played ver
May 19


Italian political farce opens at Ilkley Playhouse
The Accidental Death of an Anarchist opens tonight, 18 May, at Ilkley Playhouse, this modern day version uses sharp and hilarious satire on police corruption that will leave audiences breathless! The play by Dario Fo and Franca Rame, adapted by Tom Basden, followers train worker Giuseppe Pinelli who is arrested and falsely accused of carrying out a bomb attack. It’s Milan 1969. While in police headquarters he mysteriously falls to his death from a window. The police call it s
May 18


Ilkley Civic Society celebrates 60 years!
A few Blue Plague at Wells House will be unveiled on 20 May Ilkley Civic Society is marking a milestone 60 years with a successful Hydro Exhibition, a busy AGM, and spring/summer program of events. Ilkley Civic Society [ISC] say the Hydro Exhibition earlier this year at Ilkley Manor House drew many visitors, many who weren't aware of Ilkley’s spa and hydro history. A spokesperson for ICS said: "Thanks to those who acted as Stewards at the Exhibition, we are very grateful for
May 14


Health & Wellbeing Festival returns to Clarke Foley this month
Jo from Jo Kirk Therapies As part of Discover Ilkley’s Health & Wellbeing Month, the Clarke Foley Community Hub will host its third annual Health & Wellbeing Festival on Saturday, 23 May. Sponsored by Jo Kirk Therapies of Burley-in-Wharfedale, the festival will offer a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, featuring a wide range of wellbeing, holistic therapy, and lifestyle stalls; Interactive experiences and taster sessions; Handmade wellness products and gifts; Opportunities to
May 14


Date confirmed for annual Ben Rhydding family music festival
Pat's Party, the annual Ben Rhydding family summer music festival will return on Saturday 27 June and tickets are on sale now. Generations of local families have laughed and danced at the event over the years and raised £187,000 for good causes. This year's gold sponsor is local estate agent, Harrison Robinson. The volunteer fundraising group have confirmed the afternoon line-up full of live music from local bands including, Route 65, Man Cave, Manic Calm, Ten Fields, Reef Ho
May 12


Ilkley 'Breakfast Rave' to offer morning club culture
A new fundraiser on Friday 5 June will bring together live DJs, percussion, coffee, breakfast, and classic house music for an early-morning celebration in the heart of Ilkley. The 'Breakfast Rave' hosted jointly between La Stazione and The Ticket Office in the Station Plaza is inspired by the growing trend of 'morning raves', and will offer a high-energy alternative to traditional nightlife, all before the working day begins. The event will have a relaxed, community focused a
May 11


Two Leeds Utd legends to share stories at King’s Hall Ilkley
Leeds United fans are invited to a special live event at King’s Hall, Ilkley on Tuesday 29 September, as former strikers Jermaine Beckford and Michael Bridges take the stage for an evening of memories, laughter and football insight. Hosted by ex-Premiership player Andy Couzens, An Evening with Beckford & Bridges will revisit iconic moments from Elland Road, including Beckford’s famous Old Trafford winner and Bridges’ role in Leeds United’s early 2000s Champions League run. Th
May 8


Ilkley footballing Super Vets face Republic of Ireland
Ilkley Town’s Over-55s face Republic of Ireland Over-55s [pictured] on Sunday Ilkley Towns AFC's Super Vets are back in international action this weekend when its Over-55s face Republic of Ireland Over-55s on Sunday, 10 May, kicking off at 2pm. Players from both squads met earlier this year when the teams faced each other in an Over-60s fixture, Ilkley came out victorious on that occasion winning 3-2. The Baht’atters will be keen to remain undefeated to RoI with the lowe
May 7


Courtyard will be 'buzzing' for Ilkley Manor House Spring Fair
The Ilkley Manor House Spring Fair is back for its third year in the Courtyard on Saturday, 9 May 2026. With something for all the family, the Spring Fair will be open between 10am and 4pm, entry is free and open to all. There will be plants for sale, grown in Ilkley Manor House’s own gardens, alongside stalls from two plant nurseries. Children can enjoy hands-on fun at the children’s planting stall, Ilkley Kitchen will be selling nibbles, and organisers are proud to support
May 6


Ilkley Carnival 2026 - a real celebration of community spirit
The BMX Show wowed crowds with their skill and tricks Ilkley Carnival returned in lively fashion this May Day weekend, drawing thousands to the streets of town and East Holmes Field for a celebration of community spirit. The highlight was the 1,200-strong 'Children’s Books' themed parade, followed by a full afternoon of entertainment. The weekend also included special fair access that added a personal and inclusive dimension to the town’s biggest community event. 1st Ben Rhyd
May 5


Plans for Addingham's most chaotic and hilarious day of the year
A brand new community event is coming to Addingham with giant inflatable, ridiculous games, competitive challenges and non-stop laughs. The Friends of Addingham Primary School have announced a fun 'It's A Knockout Day 2026' on 16 May, which is open to anyone aged 14 and over. Organisers say "A bit like Total Wipeout meets Gladiators… but for normal people!" With games including Foam Pit, Beat the Cube, Teletubby Challenge, Cannon Run and Penguin Assault Course Final. Teams of
May 1


Former cop turned comedian returns to King's Hall
Alfie Moore returns to Ilkley in May [Photo credit: Karla Gowlett] Cop-turned-BBC Radio 4 comedian Alfie Moore returns to the King's Hall Ilkley on Saturday 16 May with his stand-up tour show 'Acopalypse Now'. "As a proud Yorkshireman I love coming to Ilkley," says Alfie "I'm a big fan of savoury pastries and am getting very excited about visiting the home of Lishman's 'champion' sausage rolls!" In his brand-new tour show 'Fair Cop' Alfie explores how the Four Horsemen of Ris
Apr 29


Clarke Foley announces ‘Wellbeing Month’ in May
Rosie Reay (Manager, Clarke Foley) with the Radfield Home Care team The Clarke Foley Community Hub is joining the rest of Ilkley to highlight that May has been officially designated as ‘Wellbeing Month’ in Ilkley. Throughout the month, the Hub will host a series of high-profile events designed to promote health, connection, and community spirit, all made possible through a headline sponsorship by Radfield Home Care (Ilkley & North Leeds). The main event is to be held on the 2
Apr 29


Entries for Ilkley Triathlon 2026 open Friday
Ilkley Triathlon will return on Sunday 20 September 2026 [Photo: Leeds & Bradford Triathlon Club] Now in its 33rd year, Ilkley Triathlon is one of the longest-running triathlons in the UK and it remains one of the best-value triathlon events around. Organised by Leeds & Bradford Triathlon Club, Ilkley Triathlon will return on Sunday 20 September 2026 and online entries open at 8am on Friday 1 May. Selling out every year, it is a sprint-distance event, 500m swim in the ind
Apr 29


Countdown to Ilkley Carnival begins!
The clock is ticking as the countdown begins to Ilkley’s Children’s Book-themed carnival on Monday 4 May. Parents and volunteers are finalising costumes and props for the 1,200-strong parade as excitement builds for the Bank Holiday Monday event. This week, parade participants from Ghyll Royd, Ben Rhydding Primary and All Saints Primary joined Ilkley Carnival representatives Colin Watson and Mary Moore, to show off their costumes and encourage visitors to come and join th
Apr 27


Ilkley Fire Station is holding an Open Day in July
Previous Open Day Ilkley Fire Station is holding an Open Day on Saturday 25th July 2026 from 10am to 3pm. On the day there will be something for everyone to enjoy including a chance to see the brand new MAN 4x4 appliance up close, along with the Aerial Ladder Platform and Water Rescue Boat. Local vendors including Alpkit will be on site and the Good Heating Company will offer free carbon monoxide alarms. Teams from both West Yorkshire Police and Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue A
Apr 26


Calendar Girls The Musical opens this week at Ilkley Playhouse
Calendar Girls The Musical, 22 April - 2nd May The opening night of Calendar Girls The Musical is tomorrow, Wednesday, 22 April, at Ilkley Playhouse. Written by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow, the play is based on the true story that inspired the smash-hit 2003 film. When Annie loses her husband to leukaemia, her best friend Chris wants to honour his memory and raise money for a new settee on the ward where he was treated. In yet another dull WI meeting, she’s struck by a brillian
Apr 21


An art-filled bank holiday in Ilkley
Drawing and Painting Exhibition 2nd to 4th May at Ilkley Manor House Over the May Day bank holiday weekend, Ilkley Manor House showcases two exhibitions across one creative weekend. The Ilkley Arts studio opens its doors for a free Drawing and Painting Exhibition , showcasing a wide selection of original works for sale by local artists. The exhibition brings together members working across drawing and painting practices, presenting a range of approaches from contemporary ab
Apr 21
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