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Churches Together in Ilkley and local reading groups are supporting 'Buy a Book for Bradford', a community drive asking Ilkley residents to donate new or nearly new children’s story books this December. The initiative aims to get books into the hands of children in Bradford with limited access to reading materials as the UK marks 2026 as the Year of Reading. Organisers encourage people to buy one or two story books while preparing for the festive season. Donations for babies

BT artist impression of the Street Hub Plans to replace the phone box at the west end of The Grove with a 'street hub' featuring two large 75" screens has been refused by Bradford Council planners. BT currently have over 950 street hubs across the UK and submitted plans in September to place one on The Grove in Ilkley. With large advertising screens both sides, the company says it would offer Wi-Fi and free phone calls, and promote community events and activities. Ilkley Town

Christmas is all about giving back and this Saturday The Ticket Office bar will hold its annual Charity Food Bank Drive with Your Ilkley Radio. Donations to Ilkley Food Bank can be dropped off at the bar on Saturday, 6th December, between 10am and 12 noon. Stuart Clarkson from Your Ilkley Radio will be broadcasting from the event and giving mentions to businesses and individuals on Ilkley's local radio station. A spokesperson for The Ticket Office bar said: "We’re proudly tea

As the final weekend Ilkley Manor House is open to the public in 2025 approaches it seems fitting to reflect on the past year.  The final opening day is Sunday 14 December from 11am – 4pm.   As with all organisations it has been a challenging year financially for the Trust but the programmes the House has delivered have delighted more than 11,000 visitors over the past 10 months.    Sarah Thomas, outgoing chair commented: "We have been thrilled to showcase a wide range of art

One of the area’s most treasured festive traditions returns this weekend as the Ilkley & District Round Table Santa Float begins its annual tour of Addingham, Ilkley and Ben Rhydding. Loved by generations, the Santa Float spreads Christmas cheer across local streets while raising vital funds for community causes. Thanks to the generosity of residents, the Round Table raises over £100,000 every year, supporting dozens of charities, grassroots organisations and community groups

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National healthcare and bereavement charity Sue Ryder is calling on residents in the Ilkley area to ‘branch out’ and recycle their real Christmas tree this January.   Covering Airedale, Wharfedale and the Dales, the scheme has limited capacity available and the charity is encouraging early reservations to secure a collection.     The festive season is always busy, and while the decorations may not yet be up, you can make life easier by signing up early for Sue Ryder’s...

Richard Bell with some of his new team of u3a trustees Ilkley & District u3a held its Annual General Meeting at the Clarke Foley Community Hub on Saturday 22nd November and it was reported that the average age of the membership is creeping up towards the upper 70s. The group has over 2,100 members and attracts new sign-ups almost daily, over 300 have joined in 2025. The Chairman of the Ilkley & District u3a has issued an appeal for younger members of the organisation to take

Rehearsal of It's a Wonderful Life opening on Thursday 4 th  December.  Caroline Mutton takes a look at what's on at Ilkley Playhouse - next is the festive favourite, It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s a Wonderful Life opens in the Wharfeside Theatre on Thursday 4 th December. This play, by Mary Elliott Nelson, is based on the wonderful classic film directed by Frank Capra and follows the story of George Bailey, a down-on-his-luck banker who believes life has left him behind. On C

Don’t miss the sparkle of Ilkley’s much-loved Christmas Tree Festival which opens on Friday 5 December, at St Margaret’s Church, Queen’s Road, Ilkley. From 10am. The church provides a stunning space for 30 beautifully decorated trees from local charities, community groups, and every primary school in Ilkley, Addingham, and Ben Rhydding. Also open on Saturday from 10.00 am when the festivities continue through to 5.00 pm.   Enjoy Christmas music throughout the weekend, includi

Ilkley Manor House is hosting Colour of Dreams, a new group exhibition curated by Andreea Chitan, bringing together a vibrant selection of painters, makers, and textile artists whose work celebrates the emotional and sensory language of colour. Gentle yet radiant, Colour of Dreams explores how artists use hue, tone, and texture to hold memory, mood, and meaning. The exhibition invites visitors to slow down and experience colour as something lived and felt, a quiet conversatio

The Holly Ball 2024 at the King's Hall Organisers of the annual Holly Ball are getting ready for the biggest and best yet next month, which is set to raise vital funds for two local charities.   The black tie event, organised by The Rotary Club of Ilkley, will take place at The King’s Hall in Ilkley on Saturday 13 December, with an evening of good food, drink and entertainment.   The nominated charity this year is Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope, who will receive mos