Ilkley Community Network

23/10/2026

Ilkley Town Council are bringing the festive spirit back to The Grove for a full day of Christmas celebrations on Saturday 21 November.

This year’s event promises something for everyone, with the enchanting lantern parade, a Christmas market to get your present shopping underway, musical performances, gymnastics and dance displays, and the opportunity for children to meet Father Christmas in his Christmas Grotto at Christchurch Ilkley. The celebrations will culminate in the big Christmas Lights Switch-On at 5pm.

Following feedback from families who experienced long queues at last year’s event, the Town Council have made some changes to Santa’s Grotto this year. Rather than remaining open after the lights are switched on, the grotto will welcome visitors between 12:30pm and 3:30pm, making it easier for families with younger children to enjoy their visit earlier in the day.

Visits to Santa’s Grotto are free, but families will need to book a time slot in advance to help reduce waiting times. You can reserve your place here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ilkleytowncouncil

If all the grotto slots are booked, there will still be an opportunity to see Santa during the main celebrations. He’ll be in the paddock in front of Christchurch from 4:30pm, waving to children and handing out sweets before taking centre stage to switch on Ilkley’s Christmas lights at 5pm.

It’s set to be another fantastic community celebration, bringing families, residents and visitors together to kick off the festive season in Ilkley. Make sure you come along and enjoy the magic!

20/10/2026

Amazing support for our local events in Ilkley!

Ashlands Bonfire organisers are thanking the local businesses, community groups and volunteers helping make the Ilkley tradition possible.Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, the annual bonfire and fireworks display takes place at Ashlands Primary School on Saturday 7 November, bringing familie...

19/10/2026

Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group's next 'Walk & Talk' social will meet at 2pm on Saturday outside the Riverside Hotel before the group walk to Addingham before crossing the river and heading back to Ilkley.

18/10/2026

The next New Muse Gallery open weekend is 10am-5pm on the 14th and 15th November in the Ilkley Arts studio in Castle Yard. The gallery will feature a range of media from talented local artists and is free to attend.

17/10/2026

The Friends of Ilkley Riverside Parks do such amazing work but need your support!

We might all be volunteers at FoIRP, but looking after more than 10 acres of parkland certainly isn't cheap! From insurance and tools to plants and materials, there are plenty of costs to cover throughout the year.

If you enjoy the parks and appreciate the work our volunteers do, please consider making a donation to help us keep things growing. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference! http://justgiving.com/charity/foirpuk

14/10/2026

Tickets are still available for the 40th anniversary Ashlands Bonfire! The last few years have sold out early so grab yours now before the event sells out again: https://www.ticketebo.co.uk/friends-of-ashlands-primary-school/friends-of-ashlands-bonfire-fireworks-2026

13/10/2026

As the leaves start to fall, Ilkley Town Council is calling on residents to lend a hand clearing leaves from local pavements and footpaths.

The Community Days of Action are a great opportunity to get out, meet others and do something positive for our town. Clearing leaf-covered paths also helps make them safer and easier to use for everyone.

📅 Friday 23 October – Wells Road, College Drive and Crossbeck Road. Meet at Darwin Gardens car park.

📅 Wednesday 25 November – Wheatley Lane. Meet at the entrance to Ben Rhydding Primary School on Bolling Road.

Both sessions run from 10am to 12 noon, and you can stay for as long as you're able. Bring gloves, a brush or a leaf rake if you have one. Every helping hand makes a difference!

A big thank you to everyone who gives up their time to help keep Ilkley looking its best.

13/10/2026

Ilkley Community Network are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Gary Holmes, who brought so much laughter, joy and entertainment to audiences at Ilkley’s King’s Hall over the years.

Gary was a wonderfully talented performer, and we’re sure many Ilkley residents will have fond memories of seeing him take to the stage in the many different productions he was part of. His warmth, infectious enthusiasm and unmistakable sense of fun made him a real favourite with audiences, and he had a special gift for bringing people together through theatre.

Away from the stage, Gary was a retired firefighter who dedicated many years to serving his community. He was also a passionate supporter of amateur theatre, giving so much of his time and energy to entertaining others and supporting the performing arts through NODA and the many local groups he was involved with.

Our thoughts are with Gary’s wife Sally, his daughters, his wider family and all his friends and fellow performers at this incredibly difficult time.

Thank you, Gary, for all the wonderful memories and the laughter you brought to Ilkley over the years. You’ll be very much missed, but never forgotten.

Rest in peace, Gary.

07/10/2026

The Ilkley Cycle Races need your help! The organisers are looking for volunteers to take on a few key roles to help make next year's event happen. Find out more here: https://www.ilkleychat.co.uk/post/volunteers-wanted-to-help-drive-the-future-of-ilkley-cycle-races

06/10/2026

40 years! 40 year's since Ashlands Primary School first hosted their now legendary Bonfire Night!

This is an anniversary you won't want to miss - tickets on sale now from https://www.ticketebo.co.uk/friends-of-ashlands-primary-school/friends-of-ashlands-bonfire-fireworks-2026