As Ilkley prepares to celebrate Pride Month, the Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group is encouraging residents, businesses, and community organisations to get involved and show their support for LGBTQ+ people across the town.
With a programme of events throughout June, including the Pride Walk on Sunday 14th June, Coffee & Cake on Sunday 21st June, and the main Ilkley Pride 2026 celebration on Saturday 27th June, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to take part.
1. Educate Yourself on LGBTQ+ Issues and Why Pride Matters
Pride is both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing journey towards equality and inclusion. Taking time to learn about LGBTQ+ history, experiences, and current issues can help build understanding and create a more welcoming community for everyone.
2. Volunteer at Ilkley Pride 2026
Community events depend on the support of volunteers. The Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group is looking for volunteers to help make Ilkley Pride 2026 on 27th June a safe, enjoyable, and successful event. Whether you can give a few hours or a full day, your support can make a real difference. You can sign up as a volunteer for June 27th here: https://volunteersignup.org/EPR9K
3. Attend Pride Events
One of the simplest and most impactful ways to show support is to attend local Pride events. Join the Pride Walk on Sunday 14 June, meeting outside the Riverside Hotel in Ilkley at 2pm, or come along to the Coffee & Cake social at Vitello Lounge at 2pm on Sunday 21 June. Both events offer a welcoming opportunity to connect with others, celebrate diversity, and demonstrate that Ilkley is a town where everyone belongs. You can also join the community for the main Ilkley Pride 2026 celebration on Saturday 27 June. Tickets for Ilkley Pride 2026 are on sale now from Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ilkley-pride-2026-tickets-1986649460014
4. Advocate for Inclusion
Support inclusive policies and practices in your workplace, community groups, schools, and organisations. By championing equality and challenging discrimination, we can help ensure that LGBTQ+ people feel respected, valued, and able to be themselves.
5. Show Your Support
Wearing a rainbow badge, bracelet, lanyard, or other Pride symbol is a simple but powerful way to show that you are an ally and a friendly face for LGBTQ+ people. Visible support helps foster a sense of belonging and sends a positive message that everyone is welcome in our community.
The Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group believes that Pride is for everyone. Through education, participation, advocacy, volunteering, and visible allyship, residents can help create a more inclusive, compassionate, and connected community. One member of the group commented:
"Pride belongs to everyone. It's about celebrating diversity, standing up for inclusion and showing LGBTQ+ people that they are valued members of our community. We encourage people across Ilkley to get involved this June - whether that's joining an event, volunteering, learning more about LGBTQ+ experiences or simply wearing a rainbow badge to show they're an ally. Together, we can make Ilkley a place where everyone feels they belong."
The group looks forward to welcoming people from across Ilkley and the surrounding area to this year's events and celebrating the diversity that makes our community stronger.
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