Ilkley’s brewers unite for Yorkshire Day

Ilkley’s independent brewing scene will take centre stage this Yorkshire Day as the town’s three much-loved breweries join forces for a huge celebration of local beer, live music and community spirit on Saturday 1 August.

Bini Brew Co, Ilkley Brewery and Wharfedale Brewery will all come together as part of Ilkley’s Yorkshire Day Celebration Weekend, creating a spectacular showcase of the talent, passion and pride that goes into every pint brewed in the town. It is a celebration of everything that makes Ilkley special – independent businesses, incredible local producers, talented performers and a community that knows how to come together and put on a party.

Bini Brew Co will be bringing the atmosphere to the historic Ilkley Bandstand, serving their award-winning range of craft beers alongside a fantastic programme of live music. Ilkley Brewery will be taking over Café 39, creating a hub for beer lovers to enjoy their locally brewed favourites in the heart of town, while Wharfedale Brewery will be pouring their pints on The Grove, serving their much-loved ales as thousands of visitors gather to celebrate Yorkshire Day.

The coming together of all three breweries is a proud moment for Ilkley and a brilliant reflection of the town’s independent spirit. While each brewery has its own character and style, they all share the same passion - creating exceptional beer and being part of the community that supports them.

James Rudge, owner of Bini Brew Co, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be part of Yorkshire Day in Ilkley this year and to be joined by Ilkley Brewery and Wharfedale Brewery. Having all three breweries coming together in one celebration is something really special. As a proudly Yorkshire brewery, it's a fantastic opportunity to be part of an event that celebrates everything that's great about our county while bringing the community together. We can't wait to serve our beers, meet new and familiar faces, and help create an unforgettable weekend right in the heart of Ilkley."

“Beer is brewed to make people happy, and with all three Ilkley-based breweries pouring their beer at this year’s event, happiness is all but guaranteed! We have been proudly brewing and representing Ilkley since 2009, and will have a range of our award-winning beers pouring from a pop-up on the terrace at Cafe 39 right by the Main Stage” Added Luke Raven of Ilkley Brewery.

The breweries will form just one part of what is set to be one of Ilkley’s biggest and most exciting community celebrations of the year.

Across the town centre, visitors will be treated to a full day of entertainment, with two live music stages bringing the streets to life. The Main Stage on The Grove, sponsored by Greenholme House Care Home,  and the Bandstand Stage, supported by Silverspring Sales & Lettings, will host a brilliant line-up of performers throughout the day, creating a festival atmosphere right in the heart of Ilkley.

From local favourites to talented Yorkshire musicians, the stages will provide the perfect soundtrack to a day of celebration, with visitors able to relax with a locally brewed pint, enjoy fantastic food and soak up the incredible atmosphere.

The Yorkshire Market will add even more colour and character to the celebrations, bringing together independent traders, makers, producers and small businesses from across the region. Visitors will be able to browse a fantastic range of local products, handmade crafts, gifts and Yorkshire treats – a true celebration of the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that makes the county so special.

Families will also be at the heart of the celebrations, with a dedicated children’s area at Canker Wells providing entertainment, activities and fun throughout the day. With plenty to keep younger visitors occupied, Yorkshire Day promises to be a celebration for everyone, from little ones discovering the festivities for the first time to those who have called Ilkley home for generations.

With The Grove pedestrianised, the town centre will become a vibrant celebration space where residents, visitors, businesses and community groups can come together and enjoy everything Ilkley has to offer.

Tom Harris from Olicana Events CIC said: “This is exactly what Yorkshire Day should be about – bringing people together, celebrating our town and showcasing the incredible things that happen when a community works together.

“To have all three of Ilkley’s breweries joining forces is incredibly exciting. They are brilliant examples of the independent businesses that make our town unique, and having them all involved in the same celebration really shows the strength of Ilkley’s community spirit.

“We’ve been working hard to create something truly special – from the incredible live music and Yorkshire Market to the family entertainment at Canker Wells and, of course, some of the best beer Yorkshire has to offer. We want people to come along, enjoy themselves and feel proud of what we can achieve when Ilkley comes together.”

Organised entirely by volunteers through Olicana Events CIC, the Yorkshire Day Celebration Weekend is a celebration of the people, businesses and organisations that make Ilkley such a fantastic place to live, work and visit.

Following the huge success of previous celebrations, organisers are expecting thousands of people to descend on the town for a weekend full of Yorkshire pride, entertainment and community spirit.

Whether visitors come for the music, the market, the family activities, the food and drink, or simply to enjoy a pint from one of Ilkley’s incredible breweries – Yorkshire Day 2026 promises to be a celebration to remember.