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A group of friends get ready to take on 300-mile Highlands to Hadrian's Wall charity ride A group of eight friends from Ilkley are preparing to take on an extraordinary endurance challenge this spring — cycling over 300 miles, on and off road, across some of the UK’s toughest terrain to raise vital funds for two deeply personal causes. Setting off from Aviemore on Saturday 16 May, the team will ride 300 miles over 7 days, tackling an incredible 5,710 metres of climbing befo

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

Bradford Libraries has said Ilkley Library will close later this month so improvements can be made - making it a better experience for everyone. The library will temporary relocate next door, into Ilkley Town Hall, from Monday 18 May 2026. Along with general maintenance, the makeover will include the installation of a new accessible toilet downstairs and a kitchenette, enabling groups and meetings using the library to 'grab a cuppa'. A spokesperson said: "We appreciate every

After ten weeks of delays on Skipton Road in Ilkley already this year, motorists face further disruption from Monday as Yorkshire Water start new 'major water work' on the same stretch of the A65. **Unconfirmed reports suggest Yorkshire Water have postponed these works [08/05] The works, which are expected to take five to six weeks, are to connect the new housing development to its network. During this time two-way temporary lights will be in use and the Victoria Avenue junct

Siena with the rest of the band Phantom Bagman A singer songwriter from Ilkley, Siena Anderson, has launched a new album with her indie jazz band, ‘Phantom Bagman’ - and they are preparing for a gig in Leeds. Siena has had success recently with a BBC Introducing selection performing at ‘The Glasshouse’ in Gateshead, formerly known as ‘The Sage’. Phantom Bagman were described by The Glasshouse as “artists who are quietly gearing up to be something big”. Their new album av

The stark reality of what’s happening to the climate and natural world is the focus of a film to be shown to local VIPs and residents in Ilkley next week. This public event, known as the People’s Emergency Briefing, is to be held at Ilkley Grammar School on the evening of Friday 15 May and is one of hundreds scheduled across the country over coming months. It features warnings from scientists and other experts about the severe potential consequences of these crises including

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

Ilkley Lido will make a splash as it officially re-opens for the summer season this Saturday, 9 May 2026. The opening times from Saturday will be: Monday to Friday 7.30 - 8.30 and 14.00 - 18.00 Saturday & Sunday 10.00 - 14.00 The full summer program, with longer opening times, will be in effect on Saturday 23 May. A Council spokesperson said; “It’s been exciting to see the Lido pool being filled this week ready to be opened on Saturday. Ilkley Pool and Lido is one of the dist

The nine metre sign that was installed in 2025 and removed in 2026 Plans to install a smaller five meter sign at Startbucks in Ben Rhydding have been refused by Bradford Council planners, citing it 'would appear as a disproportionate and discordant feature'. After the removal of a nine metre totem sign installed in 2025 without consent, EG on The Move applied for advertisement consent for a five metre tall sign in a different location on the northwest corner, closer to the ne

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

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Longstanding Ilkley lawyer, Ann Christian, has been promoted to Head of Personal Law at LCF Law. Ann qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and joined Yorkshire based LCF Law in 2007, before being promoted to partner in 2015. She predominantly works across the firm’s Ilkley and Bradford offices, helping people plan for the future and protect their assets. She also deals with estate administration, incapacity issues, will writing and advises on trusts. In her new role, she will lead

John Redding [right] at the Ilkley Business Awards 2026 With an expert here in Ilkley, the Designer Travel team received the ultimate accolade from industry peers last month being named 'Top Homeworking Business Large 2026' at the prestigious TTG Top 50 Awards. Designer Travel in Ilkley is run by John Redding, who was also shortlisted for an Ilkley Business Award earlier this year. Proving size really isn’t everything, Designer Travel homeworking beat off competition from oth

Emma aged 8, Heidi aged 9 and Emily aged 8 Celebrities, authors and illustrators have come together again to support the 1st Burley Brownies bookmark project which is in its tenth year. At the beginning of the year the girls of 1st Burley Brownies and their leaders write letters to their favourite authors, illustrators and celebrities asking them to doodle a bookmark. This year the Brownies have received over 400 bookmarks including bookmarks from Axel Sheffler, Jo Brand, Jon

Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club installed solar panels in March Local organisations have been taking advantage of the sun to reduce their energy bills. You might not immediately associate the Ilkley area with solar power generation, especially after the winter we have just experienced, but there is a long and growing list of local sporting, community and other organisations that have taken advantage of the compelling economics of using free energy from the sun to reduce th

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

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

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

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

The Lishman's team with their latest awards Lishman’s of Ilkley scoops top national honours last week for its Dry Cured Streaky Bacon and Game & Red Wine Pie. Celebrating 40 years in 2026, Lishman’s of Ilkley has scooped two prestigious national awards at this year’s Smithfield Awards, announced at Butchers’ Hall in London on Wednesday, 22 April. One of ten artisan butchers from across the UK to be crowned top of their class, the Ilkley butcher’s Dry Cured Streaky Bacon w