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It’s a Wonderful Life opens on Thursday 4th December By Caroline Mutton, Ilkley Playhouse Enjoy a weekend of music, comedy and film at Ilkley Playhouse, starting with an unforgettable night of blues music  this coming Friday 14th November. The event is in support of Ilkley Live, a local charity dedicated to supporting cohesion in the community and promoting live music in the area. Not one, not two, but three acts showcasing blues music, covering the greats of the era and orig

Andrew Randall with Ilkley Philharmonic Orchestra Geoffrey Mogridge reviews Ilkley Philharmonic Orchestra's 'Opera Matinee' at All Saints Church, Ilkley on Sunday 2nd November 2025. Sunday afternoon at the opera is a noteworthy first for Ilkley. Conductor John Anderson had devised an exciting and varied programme of operatic excerpts with wide audience appeal for this auspicious occasion. Nabucco was Guiseppe Verdi’s first popular success. The splendid Overture previews theme

When the time for retirement finally arrives, many people wonder what comes next. But for those living around these parts, there’s a vibrant way to keep learning, staying active and meeting new friends, all thanks to Ilkley & District u3a. This is a friendly, welcoming organisation for people no longer in full-time work who want to keep their minds and bodies engaged. Far from being a quiet retirement club, it’s a thriving community built on curiosity, companionship and share

Cast of White Christmas coming to the King's Hall in December Kick off your festive season in sparkling style with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the timeless musical extravaganza coming to Ilkley this December. Fresh from his celebrated performance as Jean Valjean  in the 40th anniversary Let the People Sing  performances of Les Misérables  at Leeds Grand Theatre, Rob Durkin  is once again taking centre stage, but this time, it’s behind the baton. Rob joins the team of Whi

📋| ILKLEY CHAT JOBS BOARD |📋 11.11.25 every Tuesday with Right at Home Ilkley, Keighley & Skipton  - recruiting CareGivers to provide quality care in a client’s home: www.rightathome.co.uk/ilkley-jobs 🖱 Also posted at ilkleychat.co.uk/jobs-board where email and website links can be tapped and vacancies for next Tuesday can be added. There are three sections - main jobs, apprenticeships and volunteers. ■■■ MAIN JOBS ■■■ ADMINISTRATION ASSITANT – THE LITTLE GREEN FROG NUSER

Ilkley Civic Society announced the results of its 2025 Design & Conservation Awards Ilkley Civic Society has announced the results of its Design & Conservation Awards for 2025.   The society have moved to an Autumn presentation to allow judging to take place over the summer, so it is 18 months since their last live event.   On Thursday 23 rd  October, the evening began with a review of the last 18 months, to demonstrate the type of events and planning issues Ilkley Civic Soci

Ilkley Christmas Lights switch-on is on Saturday 22nd November 2025 Ilkley Town Council is looking forward to hosting this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event, which is being held on The Grove on Saturday 22nd November. Before the official switch-on takes place at 5pm, there will be a full day of festive fun, which starts with a Christmas market from 10am.  Visitors will be able to make a start on their shopping and enjoy tasty treats whilst being entertained with music o

On the 50th Anniversary of his death, Shostakovich’s music still blazes with defiance and beauty, and Airedale Symphony Orchestra will take to the King’s Hall stage on Sunday afternoon to perform three pieces. Britten: Four Sea Interludes, Wallen: Mighty River and Shostakovich 5th Symphony. A spokesperson for Airedale Symphony Orchestra said: “Experience an afternoon of musical drama, exploring music that inspired Shostakovich - Britten’s Four Sea Interludes and music inspire

Ilkley held a solemn Remembrance Sunday parade and service yesterday at the Ilkley Memorial Garden, in honour of all those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of the nation in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts.   The parade, organised by Dougie Lawson from the Royal British Legion, featured a traditional parade of local dignitaries, armed forces, and uniformed organizations marching from Whitton Croft Road to the Memorial Gardens.   The ceremony featured a civic w

Alex Baker & Jenny Paxton inside Beau Monde On 5th November 2025, Beau Monde Perfumery & Beauty Salon in Ilkley proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of beauty, customer support, and exceptional service. Founded in 1995 by Jenny Paxton and Maria Carrera, Beau Monde is a much-loved part of Ilkley’s business community. Located on Church Street, it is home to an elegant upstairs beauty salon, which achieved Clarins Gold Salon status in 2002, and a downst

Ilkley Moornotes have announced their winter concert date, Saturday 6 th  December, taking place in the ancient parish church of All Saints, Ilkley at 7.30pm.       As well as songs from the choir there will also be poetry readings and carol singing too.    Kate Stevens, Musical Director, Ilkley Moornotes says:   “The choir always looks forward to our festive concert in December as it allows us to sing such a wide variety of songs, old and new as well as joining with the audi

Ilkley Town Councillors would like to invite residents to come along to their ongoing fortnightly drop-in sessions, held at the Clarke Foley Community Hub. This is a great opportunity to chat to Councillors and Council staff in person: you could inform them about issues you would like resolving within the town, find out who to contact at Bradford Council, have your foreign pension stamped, bring along ideas for change and improvement, or just simply come for a chat to find ou