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Ilkley Library is inviting the local community to celebrate its refurbished space with a special opening event, followed by an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) film experience for visitors of all ages. The Opening Celebration will take place on Saturday 3 October, giving the community the opportunity to explore the newly refurbished library while enjoying an afternoon of music, poetry, refreshments and displays celebrating Ilkley’s rich literary heritage. The celebrations will

Ashiana manager Forhad Miah Ashiana Indian Takeaway in Ilkley is celebrating after being named a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026 winner, placing the business among the top 10% of businesses worldwide on Tripadvisor. The award is based on reviews and opinions from Tripadvisor travellers around the world, and for owner and manager Forhad Miah, the recognition is a proud moment for a small independent business that has built its reputation by putting customers first: F

Mason Jones died after he was stabbed in Burley-in-Wharfedale in March A man has been sentenced after being found guilty of manslaughter in Burley in Wharfedale. Mason Jones aged 30, died after he was stabbed in the stomach shortly before 10am on Sunday 1 March on Iron Row which is just off Main Street in Menston. Mason who was from Bournemouth, died in hospital later that afternoon. On Friday (25 September) John Robinson aged 30, of Derry Hill, Menston was cleared of murder

James Taylor tribute band Fire and Rain play Ilkley Playhouse on Friday 20 November. Fringe production North Country by Bradford writer Tajinder Singh Hayer runs until 26 September in the Wildman Studio at Ilkley Playhouse. Inspired by sci-fi and local history, the play imagines a post-pandemic world where three teenagers from different cultural backgrounds work together to rebuild their community. The production forms part of a new writing project exploring local history, me

Darcey Milsted and Aimi Donohue at Olive Lounge Travel Independent travel agency Olive Lounge Travel has opened a new branch on Leeds Road in Ilkley and will celebrate with a special opening day on Friday 2 October. The branch officially opened on 1 September and is led by Retail Operations Manager Aimi Donohue and Travel Consultant Darcey Milsted. The team offers everything from package holidays to bespoke trips, including flights, accommodation, transfers, car hire and rail

Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton visits ILF on 11 October Ilkley Literature Festival 2026 returns from 2–18 October, bringing nationally acclaimed authors together with a strong showcase of Yorkshire’s literary talent. This year, one third of participating authors have Yorkshire connections, highlighting the county’s contribution to literature. Local highlights include Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton, custodian of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and star of Steam Train Diaries, sharing stor

Friends and colleagues raised over £3,300 for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity Dacre, Son & Hartley, headquartered in Ilkley, has joined forces with three Yorkshire businesses to raise more than £3,300 for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity after completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. On Thursday 17th September, a team of colleagues from across the business, including Ilkley, Skipton, Otley, Baildon, Settle and Knaresborough, were joined by staff from iampr

Diana and Sheila spent a day at the Ilkley and District Riding Association 6th Point Show Two Ilkley care home residents saddled up again after spending decades away from the stables. Diana and Sheila, who live at Care UK’s Mayfield View were treated to an unforgettable day at The Ilkley and District Riding Association 6th Point Show, and thanks to the team, 88-year-old Diana and 86-year-old Sheila were able to get up close to meet and groom the horses. Both residents were

[Photo: Bradford Theatres] An Intimate Evening With Peter Cox comes to King’s Hall, Ilkley, on Wednesday 30 September, giving fans the opportunity to hear the songs they know and discover the stories behind them. Go West arrived on the charts like a comet, delivering a string of enduring pop hits that would go on to define the sound of an era. Now, lead singer Peter Cox is inviting audiences behind the music in an intimate live show celebrating an extraordinary four-decade ca

[Photo: FoIM] The Friends of Ilkley Moor (FoIM) have launched an ambitious programme to restore Ilkley Tarn as a thriving, nature-rich wildlife pond. Once an important breeding site for amphibians, the Tarn is now heavily affected by pollution and a large duck population, with much of its former aquatic wildlife apparently lost. As the first step towards restoration, FoIM has commissioned a detailed scientific evaluation under the supervision of Professor Rick Battarbee FRS,

📋| ILKLEY CHAT JOBS BOARD |📋 22.09.26 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 🖱 To add a vacancy next week or view the Jobs Board on our website visit ilkleychat.co.uk/jobs-board There are three sections - main jobs, apprenticeships and volunteers. ■■■ MAIN JOBS ■■■ FRONT OF HOUSE TEAM F&B – AUDLEY CLEVEDON RETIREMENT VILLAGE, BEN RHYDDING £12.74 per ho

The birthday brunch was held at The Wheatley Arms [Photo: Natasha Cadman photography] A birthday brunch brought together 60 women in business as Inspire & Connect Business Networking celebrated its second anniversary. Founded in 2024 by local entrepreneur Anna Clewlow and now co-led with Dani Bolser of My Vibe VA, the network has grown to include active groups across Ilkley, Bingley, Farsley and Thackley. The brunch was held at The Wheatley Arms in Ben Rhydding on Monday 14 S