Macmillan Ilkley Fashion Show delivers unforgettable night

Two of the organising committee modelling [Photos: Cecilia Costello Photography]

The Macmillan Ilkley Fashion Show 2026, which this year embraced the theme ‘Faith In Fashion’ and took place in the stunning surroundings of All Saints Church on Thursday 30 April raising over £5,000.

Around 140 guests attended the evening, enjoying welcome fizz on arrival along with beautiful handmade canapés provided by Kirsty Anne Kitchen before enjoying an uplifting evening of fashion, entertainment and fundraising in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Hosted by Rachel Peru and Matthew Jameson, the show featured men’s and women’s fashion from 12 retailers, showcasing a fantastic mix of local independents and national fashion brands including Ilkley Shoe Company, Jigsaw, Time & Time Again, Fig & Willow, Attic, Crew Clothing, Cabi, Ilkley Dress Agency, Raymond Town Menswear, The Fitting Room, Porters Menswear and 5th Avenue.

A spokesperson for the organising committee—Martin Alton, Debbie Heeley, Ian Brown, Catherine Neal and Vicki Braithwaite—said: "We are incredibly proud to support such a vital charity while also championing local fashion businesses in Ilkley and the surrounding area. This year’s move to All Saints Church created a truly unique and memorable atmosphere for everyone involved."

A total of 24 volunteer models took to the catwalk, including 14 women and 10 men, with seven first-time models stepping onto the runway for the very first time alongside many familiar faces who have supported the event for years.

There were some special family moments on the catwalk, including three generations of one family modelling together—Kevin Downsworth, Will Collinson and Ellie Collinson—as well as father and daughter duo Martin Alton and Emilia Peers-Alton, highlighting the strong community spirit behind the event.

The new venue also brought a few humorous moments, with the occasional model taking a wrong turn on the church runway—but everything was expertly “styled out” so smoothly that guests were none the wiser.

Guests also heard an inspiring talk from retired Macmillan nurse Beverly Hurst, who shared her experiences working with Macmillan Cancer Support and reminded everyone in the room of the importance of supporting people living with cancer.

The evening raised an incredible £5,245 through ticket sales and a hugely successful prize draw, supported by generous prize donations from local businesses and supporters.

Hosts Rachel Peru and Matthew Jameson [Photos: Cecilia Costello Photography]

Special thanks were given to All Saints Church for providing such a beautiful venue, Kirsty Anne Kitchen for the catering, Co-op Ilkley for the generous donation of all the welcome drinks, Bar Matt for the bar service, and Cecelia Costello Photography for capturing the evening, as well as all retailers, volunteers, prize donors and supporters who helped make the event such a success.

With another fantastic year complete, the organisers are already looking ahead to continuing their support for Macmillan Cancer Support and bringing the Ilkley community together again in the future.

The Fashion Show team [Photos: Cecilia Costello Photography]