Welcome to the award winning Ilkley Chat!

The Dan's Den team Dan's Den at Christchurch in Ilkley has been nominated in a national campaign, The BIG Christmas Giveback, which aims to shine a light on the positive work happening in local communities. The person or organisation who has the most nominations in the competition will win a £1,000 Town & City Gift Card, such as the Ilkley Gift Card, with one person who nominated the winner receiving a £500 gift card. Dan's Den is a not for profit, community driven, indoor pl

New throw lines have been installed along the River Wharfe in Ilkley A new water-safety initiative has been launched with the installation of three throw-line stations along the River Wharfe in Ilkley. The equipment, designed to provide immediate life-saving support in emergency situations, has been placed at strategic points identified as high-risk or heavily used by the public. The new throw-line cabinets have been installed at: The beach – on the south bank of the Wharfe n

The 20th Beef and Beer Dinner held in Ilkley raised £55,000 for Sue Ryder Manorlands The 20th annual Beef & Beer Dinner took place earlier this month at The Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley, raising an incredible £55,250 in support of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.  Sponsored by Dovecote Park and Timothy Taylor’s Brewery, the black-tie event has become a highlight in the local fundraising calendar. Organised by the Manorlands Challenge Committee, the Beef & Beer Dinner is one of two

Emy outside Outside the Box Café Outside the Box Café in Ilkley has unveiled a new, bespoke piece of artwork created by 29-year-old autistic artist Emy Spinks, whose vibrant creative style has captured the hearts of people both locally and around the world. After discovering Emy’s work on social media, the team at Outside the Box [OTB] commissioned her to create a piece for the café’s family area. OTB said Emy exceeded all expectations, producing a large, colourful artwork th

Jacob Mistry joins Ilkley Town as new first team manager [Photo: Ilkley Town AFC] Ilkley Town AFC has today announced the appointment of Jacob Mistry as the club’s new First Team Manager. The news follows the resignation of former manager Sam Dexter, and the committee standing down following a vote of no confidence . Jacob Mistry from Steeton AFC, where he served as Assistant Manager to long-serving boss Roy Mason and played a key role in helping the club secure Step 6 statu

Talk Straight/Schools Broadband were presented with this award Talk Straight has won the 2025 ISPA Award for Best Customer Network and Data Security, marking a record sixth security-category win and the organisation’s ninth ISPA accolade since 2014.  The award was presented at the Internet Services Providers’ Association UK’s 30th anniversary ceremony, recognising the providers driving innovation, resilience and security across the UK’s digital landscape.  The Ilkley based c

Members of the Ilkley INSIGHT group Ilkley INSIGHT group meets the first Thursday of each month at the Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley. The Ilkley INSIGHT group offers an opportunity for visually impaired people from Menston through to Addingham to socialise and to access support agencies.  Elizabeth from the groups describes how the monthly meetings provide a mix of entertainment, especially music and even more especially, a good sing-a-long! "We include a variety of ta

A seasonal favourite, It’s a Wonderful Life, follows folk band Gaelforce and the annual Christmas Fair at Ilkley Playhouse. Caroline Mutton previews for Ilkley Chat. This coming Friday 21st November Yorkshire Celtic Folk Rock band Gaelforce return to Ilkley Playhouse. Enjoy rocked-up traditional folk songs, self-penned tunes in the traditional style and jigs and reels. In 2023 Gaelforce won, by public vote, on the Introducing Stage at the Great British Folk Festival. Since

L-R Timothy Peters, Georgie Malcolm, Alex Kyle, Sam Gilliatt, with members of G. I. Percussion and the chorus of Ilkley and Otley Choral Societies (Photo: Dave Sumpner) Laura Norris was in the audience as Ilkley and Otley Choral Societies joined together for 'Carmina Burana' on Saturday 15 November 2025. Ilkley Choral Society gave a performance on Saturday night that was nothing short of completely stunning, and St. Margaret’s Church in Ilkley held a full audience to witness

Ricky Durkin is set to join the Your Media Group Ricky Durkin has been named the new Programme Director at Your Media Group, the owner of Your Ilkley Radio.   Ricky, who previously served as Programme Director at Heart Yorkshire, Real Radio Yorkshire and BFBS, and most recently as Head of Content at Radio News Hub, will oversee programming across the group’s stations.   He will be tasked with supporting audience growth and commercial development on Your Ilkley as well as sist

Ashlands Bonfire 2025 [Photo: Soul & Co] Ashlands Primary School’s annual Bonfire Night once again lit up the Ilkley skies this year, drawing a record turnout and raising a record breaking £6,000. Organised by the Ashlands PTA, Friends of Ashlands, the much-loved event brought families together for an evening of fireworks, a blazing bonfire, and plenty of great food and drink. The atmosphere was warm, lively, and full of community spirit. Ashlands Bonfire 2025 [Photo: Soul &

Ilkley Community Transport received a grant towards the cost of a minibus [Photo: ilkleycommunitytransport.org.uk] Ilkley Town Council currently operates a grant scheme for community organisations to apply for up to £3,000 and the application deadlines are fast approaching. Ilkley Town Council is keen to contribute financial support to projects being developed by community organisations for purposes that strengthen the community and enhance the well-being of residents and the