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Gaslight opens 15th January Classic Victorian thriller Gaslight opens in the Wharfeside Theatre at Ilkley Playhouse on 15th January, Caroline Mutton previews this and more highlights for the start of 2026. The writer of Gaslight , Patrick Hamilton, could never have imagined his 1938 drama would give today’s world such a powerful term. The term ‘gaslighting’ - psychological manipulation intended to make the victim question their insanity – has become embedded in today’s langu

Geoffrey Mogridge reviews Ilkley Concert Club, James Newby & Jong Sun Woo, King’s Hall, Ilkley, Wednesday 10th December 2025. The tenor Alessandro Fisher was forced to cancel his Ilkley Concert Club appearance because of a severe throat infection. Thanks to the perseverance of pianist Jong Sun Woo and the availability of baritone James Newby, currently in Leeds for rehearsals as Count Almaviva in the Marriage of Figaro at Opera North, the recital was saved. James, together wi

📋| ILKLEY CHAT JOBS BOARD |📋 16.12.25 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 STAFF – PRANZO ILKLEY Experience is essential however training will also

As we prepare for Christmas all the churches in Ilkley have been busy with carol and advent services. Next week there are many opportunities for everyone to come and celebrate Christmas at a variety of services.   Many offer Carols by Candlelight while others offer the familiar Christingle or Crib Services that are particularly suitable for children and families. Listed below are all the services offered in the week before Christmas by churches in Ilkley.  More details can be

[Photo: Litter Free Ilkley Facebook page] Last week a serious case of fly-tipping was reported along Moor Road by the Cow & Calf.  Items included building materials, bath, toilet and cabinets. The incident was reported to Bradford Council by a number of concerned residents including the Litter Free Ilkley group, who have praised the council’s quick response. A spokesperson for Little Free Ilkley said: “It was far too big a job for us warriors with our litter pickers! “Bradfor

IGS students and volunteer visiting a charity clients home Over 100 local residents enjoyed an early Christmas treat when volunteers from Ilkley Good Neighbours, accompanied by 6th-form students from Ilkley Grammar School, delivered gifts to their homes. The ever-popular Christmas Gift Project, organised each year by the charity, never fails to bring a touch of seasonal good cheer to a number of the community’s older and less able residents. Chairman of Ilkley Good Neighbours

Esscroft Private Nursery in Burley-in-Wharfedale has been named Nursery of the Year at the prestigious Yorkshire Prestige Awards 2025/26, winning the coveted Legacy Award.   The announcement was made at a celebratory champagne reception held on December 7th at Villages Hotel Leeds, where Esscroft joined other outstanding Yorkshire businesses in being recognized for their achievements.   The Yorkshire Prestige Awards acknowledge the region's most successful and innovative busi

The housing development on Skipton Road [Photo: Ilkley Chat] Developers of the new housing project on Skipton Road in Ilkley say essential drainage infrastructure works will mean a lane closure of the A65 for approximately 10 weeks. The rolling works are scheduled to start on Monday 19th January 2026, commencing at the Victoria Avenue junction with Skipton Road and working its way out of Ilkley at around 50 metres a week. Temporary traffic signals will be used 24 hours a day

Ilkley Civic Society is inviting walkers to a ‘Find Your Way around Ben Rhydding’ heritage walk on Saturday 27 December from 11am.   The meeting point is Wheatley Lane, close the Wheatley Arms. The walk should last about 60 to 90 minutes and does involve some narrow paths and gentle slopes.  For anyone who wishes, refreshments can be purchased in the Wheatley Arms afterwards. Ilkley Civic Society walks are open to all, members, non-members and visitors.   It’s not essential t

Sam Prus, Will Schaffer, Joe Smith, Martyn Stocker and Emma in Airedale’s Sunbeam garden Will Schaffer, Sam Prus, Martyn Stocker, Joe Smith, and Dan Chadwick took on the 82-mile Dales Way walk with a goal to complete the challenge in under 36 hours.   The £11,892 raised will be split between Airedale NHS Foundation Trust’s Sunbeam Support Group which provides a welcoming space for anyone who has experienced the loss of a baby or young child and the Children’s Unit which provi

Brayden Davies, head chef at The Box Tree The Box Tree restaurant in Ilkley is celebrating after being included in The Telegraph’s list of the 21 best restaurants in Leeds. From traditional pub grub to oysters and organic wines, the newspaper looked at where to dine for breakfast, dinner and tea in the Leeds area. Brayden Davies, head chef at The Box Tree, said: "Recognition like this means a lot for our whole team. Every service is built on the work that happens behind the s

It’s full steam ahead for The Northern Swing Orchestra as they prepare for their forthcoming festive concert ‘Swing into Christmas’, on stage at The Kings Hall in Ilkley on Friday 19 December 2025. Band leader Jonathan Whatt, the 16 piece Big Band and singers have been working hard to put the finishing touches to this year’s show, which features some fantastic vocals. Yorkshire’s premier Big Band promises a night of the very best Christmas songs and traditional festive favour