Ilkley Live music festival dedicated to Ilkley stalwart

Peter Mate who sadly passed away at the weekend

The organisers of Ilkley Live have dedicated this weekend's music festival to Ilkley stalwart Peter Mate who died on Sunday.

A well know face around Ilkley, Peter Mate was a member of Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale and would often been seen around town helping with community projects and events. Peter was also a member of Ilkley u3a, where his love of live music shone being a member of the Tappers, a musical collective with the aim of mutual learning.

Turning its Facebook page dark for the week, a statement from the Ilkley Live organisers said: "It was with enormous sadness that we heard that Peter Mate died at the weekend. He was one the first first organisers of Ilkley Live and his community spirit and warmth will be hugely missed. Our thoughts go to his family at the this difficult time.

"Here are Ilkley Live, we are going sombre for the week in remembrance of Peter. The team has also decided to dedicate this year's festival to Peter and the colour will be back by Friday, remembering Peter's own vitality and energy!

"Thanks for everything, Peter. Your legacy lives on!"

[Peter Mate (right) was a very active member of the Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale]

Tributes on the Ilkley Live post include: 'I heard the news yesterday. Very sad and are thought go out to his family. He will be missed in the community'; 'I’m so sorry to hear this - he was an amazing and wonderful chap that I’ve known on my walk abouts and socialising' and 'So sad. Miss his cheery cheeky comments.'

The Ilkley Live programme has been released today, with free live music across Ilkley's pubs, cafes, and gardens. From jazz to folk, rock to acoustic - something for everyone.

Taking place this Friday and Saturday [10 & 11 July], to download the programme click here or scan the QR code.