Welcome to the award winning Ilkley Chat!

2026 Festival Dates: Fri 2 – Sun 18 October
Opening event: Andrew Davies: Life in Scripts at King's Hall
Download brochure at www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk

An evening of musical variety with a section of musical styles with something for everyone. Topaz, part of Jazz Leeds headlines a fabulous evening of community Jazz, live music and local talent. This is a fundraising event for the Beamsley Project Charitable Trust at Bolton Abbey.

Country Hits Live celebrates the atmosphere and energy of an evening in the home of country music. Taking audiences on a trip through the biggest country hits over the last few decades, with iconic songs old and new.

Get ready for an unforgettable night with one of the world’s most captivating performers.

An engaging mystery drama film based on the hit novel by Delia Owens of the same name.

On Friday 30th October the SMVC Annual Concert will be held at the King Hall and will be joined by guests Otley Brass Band.

Across 24 stalls, you’ll find an eclectic mix of antiques, vintage finds, and collectables between 9-4.
Whether you’re drawn to antique furniture, sparkling silver, unique military pieces, or beautiful china, there’s a good chance you’ll unearth something special.

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as Ramses and Moses, two young men raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

Join us for an evening of Mamma Mia magic and fabulous fireworks!
Doors open: 5:30pm I Bonfire: 6pm I Fireworks display to music: 7:45pm I ABBA Tribute band: 8pm
Street food, bars and two fairground rides.

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as Ramses and Moses, two young men raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

Jigsaw Festival will be held from 12th to 14th November 10am to 4pm and will welcome hundreds of visitors to enjoy the spectacle of a giant patchwork of completed jigsaw puzzles - a huge range of different shapes, sizes, themes and colours. All the puzzles are for sale and priced.

‘Guy Fawkes , Gunpowder Plot and Yorkshire Connections' with Tony Morgan.

Enjoy mulled wine, festive refreshments and a beautifully decorated medieval manor house filled with local makers selling ceramics, jewelry, cards, decorations and handcrafted gifts.
21 & 22 November 10am - 4pm

Moving effortlessly between a remarkable collection of instruments, she combines intricate musicianship with warm storytelling and an engaging connection with her audiences, occasionally inviting them to lend their own voices to the music.

Real Markets runs a monthly market in Ilkley, on the first Sunday of each month (exc January) 10-3. Offering food for the belly and the soul, you will find food, drink, crafts, artwork, homeware and more at Real Markets in Ilkley.

Friday 22nd - Saturday 30th January 2027
Upstagers 2027 panto 'Jack And The Beanstalk'.

Friday 22nd - Saturday 30th January 2027
Upstagers 2027 panto 'Jack And The Beanstalk'.

Friday 22nd - Saturday 30th January 2027
Upstagers 2027 panto 'Jack And The Beanstalk'.

Real Markets runs a monthly market in Ilkley, on the first Sunday of each month (exc January) 10-3. Offering food for the belly and the soul, you will find food, drink, crafts, artwork, homeware and more at Real Markets in Ilkley.

The event also gives families an opportunity to clear out unwanted children’s items and make some extra money with proceeds split on a 50/50 basis. Half of the proceeds will go to the seller, while the remaining half will support Give a Child a Hope, an Ilkley based charity.

Step inside the creative spaces of artists across Ilkley and beyond as they open their studios, homes and workspaces 10-4 both days. Discover a fantastic range of art, craft and design, meet the artists, see where and how their work is made, and have the opportunity to buy work directly from them.

Until 1 November - Win a £50 Ilkley Gift Card. Pumpkins have popped up in 18 businesses, get the family together and follow the trail to find them all for this fun, free Halloween challenge. Pick up a trail form from Games Crusade, Nora’s & Moor Fruit & Veg, or discoverilkley.co.uk

Joe Varley is celebrating the publication of his 13th book, The Great Northern Quiz Book, which will be launched at a special quiz night at Fuggle & Golding on Monday 26 October 7–9pm.

The drama. The scandal. The dynasty. The Tudors like you've never seen them before.

A special event focused on dementia and the support available locally at Clarke Foley. Home Instead Ilkley and The Rainbow Care Group will bring together local organisations, professionals and community groups for an informative and welcoming afternoon.

Real Markets runs a monthly market in Ilkley, on the first Sunday of each month (exc January) 10-3. Offering food for the belly and the soul, you will find food, drink, crafts, artwork, homeware and more at Real Markets in Ilkley.

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as Ramses and Moses, two young men raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

A fantastic evening of fire, fireworks, food and fun!
Gate: 6pm I Bonfire: 6:30pm I Fireworks: 7pm

The family-friendly event promises its biggest-ever fireworks display, alongside the traditional bonfire, food, drinks and entertainment.
Gates open @ 5:30pm I Fire lit @ 6:15pm I Fireworks @ 7:30pm I Event End @ 9:00pm

Jigsaw Festival will be held from 12th to 14th November 10am to 4pm and will welcome hundreds of visitors to enjoy the spectacle of a giant patchwork of completed jigsaw puzzles - a huge range of different shapes, sizes, themes and colours. All the puzzles are for sale and priced.

She usually helps people with issues, yet ultimately believes laughter is the medicine. She chose to learn comedy stage performance hypnotism because she builds in therapeutic value into the show. In her opinion it’s like “Show and tell” at school. Profits from tickets sale are being donated to Marie Curie.

Enjoy mulled wine, festive refreshments and a beautifully decorated medieval manor house filled with local makers selling ceramics, jewelry, cards, decorations and handcrafted gifts.
21 & 22 November 10am - 4pm

Across 24 stalls, you’ll find an eclectic mix of antiques, vintage finds, and collectables between 9-4.
Whether you’re drawn to antique furniture, sparkling silver, unique military pieces, or beautiful china, there’s a good chance you’ll unearth something special.

Friday 22nd - Saturday 30th January 2027
Upstagers 2027 panto 'Jack And The Beanstalk'.

Friday 22nd - Saturday 30th January 2027
Upstagers 2027 panto 'Jack And The Beanstalk'.

Friday 22nd - Saturday 30th January 2027
Upstagers 2027 panto 'Jack And The Beanstalk'.

Friday 22nd - Saturday 30th January 2027
Upstagers 2027 panto 'Jack And The Beanstalk'.

Step inside the creative spaces of artists across Ilkley and beyond as they open their studios, homes and workspaces 10-4 both days. Discover a fantastic range of art, craft and design, meet the artists, see where and how their work is made, and have the opportunity to buy work directly from them.

Shooting from the (new) hip, still alive and kicking, the nation's favourite octogenarian and hit of Radio 2's Steve Wright in the Afternoon and Sky Atlantic's Common Ground returns with his stand-up show armed with fierce one-liners, biting satire plus some effing and that sort of thing for the teens.

The film is hosted by Chris Packham and features leading UK scientists updating us clearly, honestly and without political spin on what’s happening with the climate and its impacts on our daily lives – extreme weather, food security, health, cost of living, migration, etc.

Watch a professional pumpkin-carving demonstration, get creative at the free pumpkin lantern-making workshops running throughout the day, and visit the Pumpkin Patch to choose your very own pumpkin to carve.

The Persian Comedy Powerhouse performs his critically acclaimed new show Namaste where Omid peacefully bows to his inner anger and unleashes a torrent of comedic vitriol upon the current state of this dangerously messed up planet.

Hanging Stone is proud to announce Spooktacular is returning for its 4th incarnation, celebrating independent alternative music in the area, and getting fangs deep into Halloween fun. This year's event will be extra special, as Stem Cells will be celebrating the launch of their Unholy Trinity EP.

Ilkley Philharmonic Orchestra’s first concert of the season features popular works by Brahms, Dvorak and Tchaikovsky. They welcome back virtuoso ‘cellist, Graham Morris, who will perform Dvorak’s Cello Concerto. Tickets available online at Eventbrite.com or on the door until sold out.

Annual Ilkley Cricket Club bonfire - free and open to all.
Bar: 5pm I Pie & Peas: 6pm I Bonfire: 6:45pm I Fireworks: 7:30pm

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as Ramses and Moses, two young men raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as Ramses and Moses, two young men raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

Jigsaw Festival will be held from 12th to 14th November 10am to 4pm and will welcome hundreds of visitors to enjoy the spectacle of a giant patchwork of completed jigsaw puzzles - a huge range of different shapes, sizes, themes and colours. All the puzzles are for sale and priced.

It's expected the day will start with a Christmas Market, followed by Santa, musical performances and gymnastic and dance displays, plus lantern parade and the excitement of the big switch-on by Father Christmas at 5pm.

Starring Marion Cotillard as Piaf and Gerard Depardieu and Chris Gunning

Real Markets runs a monthly market in Ilkley, on the first Sunday of each month (exc January) 10-3. Offering food for the belly and the soul, you will find food, drink, crafts, artwork, homeware and more at Real Markets in Ilkley.

Friday 22nd - Saturday 30th January 2027
Upstagers 2027 panto 'Jack And The Beanstalk'.

Friday 22nd - Saturday 30th January 2027
Upstagers 2027 panto 'Jack And The Beanstalk'.

Friday 22nd - Saturday 30th January 2027
Upstagers 2027 panto 'Jack And The Beanstalk'.

Across 24 stalls, you’ll find an eclectic mix of antiques, vintage finds, and collectables between 9-4.
Whether you’re drawn to antique furniture, sparkling silver, unique military pieces, or beautiful china, there’s a good chance you’ll unearth something special.