Your Ilkley Radio

4:00pm - 8:00am

Email the studio

Beyonce

Halo

Listen Live Podcasts

History will roar over Ilkley Half Marathon

Thursday, 5 June 2025 14:16

A legendary RAF Spitfire will take to the skies above Ilkley for the Ilkley Half Marathon in July

The unmistakable roar of history is set to echo across Wharfedale this summer as a legendary RAF Spitfire takes to the skies above Ilkley on Sunday 13th July.

The iconic World War II fighter aircraft will perform a ceremonial flypast over Ilkley, delighting the crowds gathered in the Ilkley Half Marathon event village on West Holmes Field. The Spitfire is planned to fly directly over the event village where spectators can support runners, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the live music, food and drink on offer.

Ilkley Half Marathon and the new Ilkley 5K is organised by Ilkley & District Round Table and the flyover has been arranged with support from the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

“To witness a Spitfire soaring above Ilkley is something truly unforgettable,”

said Michael Odell, Race Director,

“It’s a living tribute to the heroes of our past and a moment of unity for our community. We can’t wait to share this incredible experience with runners and spectators alike.”

The Spitfire, known for its pivotal role in the Battle of Britain, remains one of the most recognisable and beloved aircraft in British history. The flyover not only offers a nod to the past but serves as a soaring reminder of the values we still hold dear—resilience, service, and pride.

Closer to the event once timings become known they will be announced via social media channels.

More from Local news

Care group buys Troutbeck with plans for high-quality care home

The renovation of the former Troutbeck care home in Ilkley has begun with the new owners aiming to bring it back to life as a high-quality care home.
Addingham road closed for two weeks

Yorkshire Water has informed Addingham residents about the next phase of work happening on Low Mill Lane in the village.
Are you brave enough to take the new year plunge at White Wells!

The New Year’s day plunge at White Wells on Ilkley Moor takes place on Thursday 1st January 2026 between 10am and 5pm.
Santa Paws: Festive photo competition winner revealed

The winner of this year's Santa Paws photo competition with Tyler James Pet Supplies has been revealed.
Festive tractor run raises £45,000 for charity

A festive convoy of more than 200 decorated tractors has raised more than £45,000 for charity after touring towns and villages across the Aire Valley.
Ilkley Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club celebrates successful year

Ilkley Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club marked the close of another successful year with a Christmas Lunch held at The Lister Arms in Ilkley.
Ilkley charity’s lunches bring Christmas cheer and new friendships

There was plenty of joyful festive cheer and a feeling of community connection as eighty-five older residents joined Ilkley and District Good Neighbours for their annual Christmas lunches.
Night of glitz and giving as charity ball raises £20k for Sue Ryder

The Rotary Club of Ilkley hosted its annual charity Holly Ball on Saturday 13 December, welcoming a sell‑out audience of 200 guests to the stunning King’s Hall and Winter Garden.
MP’s Small Business Award winners crowned as local businesses “fight on”

The winners of local MP Robbie Moore’s 2025 Small Business Awards have been crowned after more than 2,500 votes were cast for over 200 small businesses across Keighley, Ilkley, Craven and the Worth Valley.
Separate waste and recycle more this Christmas

Bradford Council is encouraging people to remember what bins to put their waste in this Christmas and make a New Years resolution to recycle more.
Christmas timetable revealed for Ilkley trains

Train operator Northern has released a calendar to provide customers with a handy reference guide for service levels over the festive period.
Ilkley Beer Festival tops Yorkshire beer festival guide

The Ilkley Beer Festival has been included in a guide to the 'Fantastic Beer, Wine and Spirit Festivals in Yorkshire to Check Out in 2026'.
Spanish airport operator acquires Leeds Bradford Airport in £270m deal

Spanish airport operator Aena has acquired a majority stake in Leeds Bradford Airport in a deal worth £270million.
Changes to bus and train services over Christmas and new year

As usual bus and train services in and around Ilkley will be amended over the Christmas and new year holiday period.
Two special parkruns in Ilkley for Christmas

As well as the usual Saturday morning East Holmes Field parkruns, the team in Ilkley will host two special events on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Changes to bin collection dates over Christmas

Residents are being urged to take note of alternative bin collection dates over the festive period so that they don’t miss them.
Entries close in three weeks for tenth Ilkley Business Awards

Organisers of the 2026 Ilkley Business Awards are reminding businesses within LS29 that entries close on 9th January 2026 – and there will be no extension.
Airedale NHS microbiology staff announce December strike

Microbiology workers at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust have announced plans to take industrial action later this month, citing concerns about pay and working conditions.
Classic Victorian thriller next at Ilkley Playhouse

Classic Victorian thriller Gaslight opens in the Wharfeside Theatre at Ilkley Playhouse on 15th January, Caroline Mutton previews this and more highlights for the start of 2026.
Review: Ilkley Concert Club, James Newby & Jong Sun Woo at King's Hall

Geoffrey Mogridge reviews Ilkley Concert Club, James Newby & Jong Sun Woo, King’s Hall, Ilkley, Wednesday, 10th December 2025.