Packed social calendar for Ilkley Pride designed to bring people together
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group is inviting the local LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together at a series of regular social events over the coming months, culminating in a spectacular Christmas celebration featuring drag royalty.
Following another successful Pride season, the group is continuing its programme of inclusive, informal events designed to bring people together, make new friends and provide opportunities to connect throughout the year.
After a successful launch in June with 5 parents and grandparents attending the meeting, the next Apples & Acorns session will take place on Sunday 30 August at 2pm at Vitello Lounge.
Hosted by Isabel Ashman, an experienced parent of a gender & sexuality querying child, these sessions are intended to be a low key, low pressure drop in, for any parents, carers or guardians of children on an LGBTQ+ journey. Isabel said “Apples & Acorns is about creating a safe, relaxed space where parents and carers can come along without feeling that they need to have all the answers. As a parent myself, I understand that supporting a child on an LGBTQ+ journey can sometimes bring questions, worries or simply a lot of feelings, and it can be helpful to talk to someone who understands.
"These sessions are deliberately low-key and low-pressure. There’s no agenda and no expectation to speak if you don’t want to - you can simply drop in, have a coffee and know that you’re in a non-judgemental and reassuring space. Whether you’re looking for advice, reassurance or just want to know that you’re not the only parent navigating this, you’re very welcome to join us.”
If you’d like to touch base beforehand or at any other time, or to arrange a one-to-one chat with Isabel, you can email her on isabel@ilkleypride.co.uk
The group's popular Coffee & Cake socials also continue on the third Sunday of every month, 2pm at Vitello Lounge. Whether you're a regular attendee or coming along for the first time, everyone is welcome to join the group for a cuppa, something sweet and a chance to catch up.
For those who prefer to get out and about, Walk & Talk takes place on the fourth Saturday of each month at 2pm. The next walk will start this Saturday from Riverside Gardens, near the Riverside Hotel, with future walks continuing to explore different locations around the town and surrounding area. The September Walk & Talk will begin from Darwin Gardens on Saturday 26 August.
The regular socials form an important part of Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group's work outside of its annual Pride celebrations, providing opportunities for people to build friendships and find community throughout the year.
Looking further ahead, the group will be rounding off 2026 with its Christmas Party at Everybodys in Guiseley on the evening of Saturday 19 December. The festive celebration promises to be a highlight of the group's social calendar, with drag royalty Bernie De Bra performing throughout the evening.
David Shaw MBE, Chair of Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group said: “Pride isn't just about one day or one weekend a year. It's about creating a community where people can come together, make friends and feel welcome all year round. Our regular socials are a really important part of that, whether you're looking for a friendly face, a good walk, coffee and cake or simply somewhere to meet people. And, of course, we're already looking forward to ending the year in suitably fabulous style at our Christmas party! With Bernie De Bra joining us, it's going to be one to remember.”
The group welcomes LGBTQ+ people, friends, family members and allies to its events, with no requirement to have attended Pride previously.
For further information and updates, follow Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group on social media @ilkleypride.
