Welcome to the award winning Ilkley Chat!
A big turn out expected to see the new Christmas lights switched on
The final countdown to Saturday 24 November has begun. The Jubilee Lights have been dimmed in readiness for Father Christmas to switch on the Town’s new festive lights with a bows and baubles theme.
There will be plenty to enjoy during the afternoon before Santa arrives. The Bradford Concert Band will play popular and seasonal music at the Bandstand between 1.30pm and 3.30pm before handing over to Nick Hancock from Stray FM who will host a programme of entertainment by local groups, which will begin with a fabulous display by the competition squad of the Ilkley Gymnastics Club, followed by Singers from That Sing Thing and dancers from Performance Dance School.
Following last year’s success, local food and produce traders will once again be setting up their stalls around the bandstand and tempting you with seasonal treats and ideas for Christmas presents. In addition, David Lishman Butchers will be selling their prize winning Hot Dogs and Betty’s will be serving mulled wine to keep out the chill.
Guiseley Brass band will herald the arrival of Santa’s coach procession at Christchurch. The Town Council are asking children and parents who wish to take part in this year’s procession to carry some safe form of lighting (torches or battery operated lanterns). The procession will assemble in the War Memorial Gardens and depart at prompt at 4.50pm, ready for the 5pm switch on.
Once again Santa invites all the children to visit him in his Grotto at Christchurch.
The crowd barriers will be placed along the road, rather than the path edge this year, which will allow more space for spectators to stand directly in front of Christchurch.
Organiser for the Town Council, Cllr Jennifer Souter, said 'the Mayor and members of the Town Council would like to thank all the volunteers and local organisations that are giving their support. We look forward to seeing you on November 24th and hope everyone will have a most enjoyable afternoon.'
This weekend will also see the first ever Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival at St Margaret's Church, Friday 11am-7pm and Saturday 10am-6pm, with a programme of live music. Please call in and support the local hardworking community groups and charities. Entry is by donation.