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Ilkley gets ready to switch on the Christmas lights on Saturday
Ilkley will begin celebrating the festive season when Father Christmas turns on the town’s Christmas lights outside Christchurch at 5pm this Saturday (23 November), where an afternoon of music and entertainment by local groups will take place.
The Christmas Market and live music will take place between 2pm and 6pm around the Grove bandstand, with The Bradford Concert Band and Guiseley Brass Band, and local small business will be selling festive goods, and food and drink to keep out the chill. Businesses include Zazen Boutique, Gerhards Pretzels, Tricky Dickies, Copper Spoon Cakery, Third Wave Roast Coffee, Lishman’s, Churros, Addingham Fruit Liqueurs, Booths, Made with Annan, Yorkshire Handmade Gifts, Condimental, Real Indian, Wharfedale Fine Cheese and Ilkley Carnival who will be selling the 2020 Ilkley Calendar.
Nick Hancock from Stray FM’s breakfast show will introduce a programme of entertainment by local groups at 3.45pm. A demonstration by the highly successful competition squad of Ilkley Gymnastics Club and performances by Ilkley Rock Choir and Performance Dance School will entertain the gathering crowds.
Parents and children wishing to join Father Christmas’s procession, are asked to assemble in the Memorial Gardens for a prompt departure at 4.35pm.
The Mayor, Cllr Mark Stidworthy and his wife, will greet Father Christmas and his helpers, who will then switch on the Christmas lights at 5pm and then make his way into his Grotto within Christchurch to meet all the boys and girls.
Cllr Jennifer Souter said ‘The Mayor and Town Council would like to thank all the volunteers and local organisations who are giving their support. In particular, we extend thanks to Ilkley Carnival who will be donating the proceeds from the sale of their 2020 Calendar to contribute to the cost of the Christmas tree. We also thank Booths Supermarkets for their financial assistance.
We look forward to seeing you and wish you a Merry Festive season and a Happy New Year.’