Entertainment announced for 2026 Ilkley Food & Drink Festival

Organisers of the Ilkley Food and Drink festival have confirmed the full live music programme for their seventh annual celebration returning to the riverside setting on 13 & 14 June 2026.

ABBA and Bruce Springsteen tribute acts, alongside a diverse showcase of local soloists, community-groups and bands will performer across the weekend on East Holmes Field.

These announcements coincide with recently-revealed plans for a brand-new arena, set to offer an eclectic mix of free family challenges and interactive contests.

Festival Director Michael Johnston spoke on their aims to create a fresh experience for both new and returning visitors:

“Heading into our seventh year, we expect to welcome plenty of new faces as well as several returning visitors. We want to create an exciting experience for every single person who walks through our doors, which means constantly looking for new ways to enhance what we offer. Several ideas that have been in the works for a while are finally coming to life.”

Saturday 13 June

Headlining Saturday evening are Planet ABBA, one of the UK’s leading ABBA tributes, celebrating the band’s music for over 25 years. The full Saturday live music programme includes:

●       11:00 Wil Forrester Smooth Saxophone - breezy saxophone covers

●       12:00 Hot Aire Concert Band - community concert band

●       13:15 Sienna Craven - talented up-and-coming vocalist

●       14:30 The Johnny Storm Band - classic rock ‘n’ roll

●       16:00 Tempo Feliz - Samba-driven Brazilian funk

●       17:45 Planet ABBA - Tribute to ABBA

●       19:15 Ibiza Sax Classics - Ibiza favourites

Sunday 14 June

Headlining Sunday evening are The Boss and The Beeston Street Band, a renowned Yorkshire-based tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band . The full Sunday live music programme includes:

●       11:00 Will Forrester Smooth Sax - vibrant saxophone covers

●       11:45 Howlin’ Mat - solo blues artist

●       13:00 Scoble and Friends - charming community acoustics

●       14:15 Leeds City Stompers - red-hot blues band

●       15:30 Gaelfroce - Celtic folk rock

●       17:15 The Boss and The Beeston Street Band - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band tribute

●       18:30 Ibiza Sax - Ibiza Favourites to close out the festival

Brand-new for 2026 is the introduction of the Sizzling Showdown Arena, host to an eccentric schedule of family competitions, challenges and activities with playful twists. Three core contests will take place daily within the arena:

●       The Foodie Olympics - returning with a refreshed structure, new games and enhanced audience participation

●       The Chilli Challenge - fiery eating challenges for daring attendees

●       The Family Dog Show - friendly competitions between beloved family pets

Organisers have further unveiled plans for their new ‘Inflatable Banana Jousting Ring’, located right beside the arena. The attraction invites competitive families and friends to a series of light-hearted inflatable duels against one another.

Both attractions are completely free for ticket holders.

Early Bird Tickets are still available, priced at £6.95 for Adults, £4.95 for Under 16’s, and Free for Under 5’s.

For more information, Early Bird Tickets, and updates, visit ilkleyfoodfestival.com