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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

The Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group (IPLCG) has announced that it is pausing its fundraising and its proactive attempts to contribute to the improvement of the Pool and Lido, because of the persistent difficulty with engaging with Bradford Council (CBMDC). The group formed in 2024 when the Lido was yet again under threat of closure, and moved onto trying to secure the improvements needed to ensure that the threat is not repeated. Despite the support from the Town Council

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