Welcome to the award winning Ilkley Chat!

Jacqui Brett (L) and Fran Brett (R) of Clayful, Ilkley Ilkley's unique craft studio, Clayful, based in the Moors Shopping Centre is celebrating its first birthday this month. Since opening its doors on 11 December 2024, Clayful has become a must-visit destination for creativity, fun, community, and relaxation, welcoming visitors of all ages and artistic abilities. Founded by daughter-and-mother duo Fran Brett and Jacqui Brett, Clayful was born from Fran’s long-standing dream

Ilkley Town Council currently has two vacancies for non-councillor members on its Planning Committee and is inviting local residents to get involved. The Planning Committee usually meets on the second Tuesday of each month, from 6pm, to consider and comment on planning applications within the Ilkley parish area. These meetings allow the Town Council to provide feedback to the local planning authority (Bradford Metropolitan District Council) on behalf of the community. Alt

Krafts with Karen at the OTB Winter Festival Outside the Box has announced its first Winter Festival will take place on Sunday 14th December between 2pm and 4:30pm. The event, at the charity’s home at The Arcade on South Hawksworth Street in Ilkley, promises lots of festive fun, sparkle and merry entertainment for all ages. In partnership with Sally’s Army Choir, the free-entry festival will include carol singing and musical performances with the choir and OTB Music Group. Vi

Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival 2025 Ilkley’s Christmas Tree Festival at St. Margaret’s Church on 5th and 6th December was a huge success. Almost 1,800 people visited the festival to enjoy the beautifully dressed Christmas trees, music and refreshments in this beautiful church. Over 30 local charities, schools and community groups dressed their own Christmas tree to create a stunning display in church. Visitors enjoyed spine-tingling performances by Outside the B

Northern is reminding Wharfedale Line commuters to check before they travel, with train timetables changing from Sunday 14 December 2025. The update to timetables forms part of the national timetable change, which takes place each May and December. Many of the changes taking place next weekend form part of wider improvements across the rail network, with some areas - in particular the North East - seeing new routes, faster journeys, and revised train times to make train trave

Tesco customers in Ilkley are being reminded they still have the opportunity to give new toys to local children who need it most this Christmas. Until the 15th December, Ilkley Superstore on Springs Lane is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for The Salvation Army who will then distribute the toys to local children. Community Champion at Ilkley Superstore, Sarah Joyce, said: “We take pride in supporting our local community during the year through Tesco Stronger

OTB members at The Dine-in event Guests at the recent Dine-In event at Outside the Box in Ilkley enjoyed a very special Christmas dining experience. Delighting everyone involved, the festive evening was a showcasing and celebration of the talents of the many young people and adults with learning disabilities supported by the charity. Event guests were treated to a delicious three-course meal, seasonal drinks and mince pie canapés, all prepared and served by the inclusive

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