Ilkley is getting ready to celebrate Yorkshire Day again in style!
The town’s hugely popular Yorkshire Day Celebration Weekend returns 1 & 2 August, bringing a packed programme of live music, family entertainment, markets and community fun to the heart of the town.
Following the success of last year’s award-winning event, organisers are promising another fantastic weekend that celebrates everything people love about Yorkshire – from great music and local businesses to community spirit and a warm Yorkshire welcome.
[Yorkshire Market at Yorkshire Day 2025 Photo: Steve Garnett]
Taking place across The Grove, which will be pedestrianised throughout the weekend, the event will create a vibrant festival atmosphere where visitors can relax, enjoy live performances, browse the Yorkshire Market and make the most of everything Ilkley has to offer.
The free event is organised by Olicana Events CIC, a passionate team of local people giving their time and expertise to create a celebration that brings the community together and provides something for everyone to enjoy.
A key part of this year’s event is the support of two fantastic local sponsors who are helping to make the celebrations possible. Silverspring Sales & Lettings are sponsoring the Bandstand stage, supporting the programme of live music in one of Ilkley’s most recognisable and loved locations. Meanwhile, Greenholme House Care Home are the headline sponsor of the main stage on The Grove, helping to bring the festival atmosphere to the centre of town with a full day of entertainment on Saturday.
James Saul, Director at Silverspring Sales & Lettings said:
"We're delighted to be supporting Ilkley's Yorkshire Day Celebration Weekend and helping bring the community together for such a fantastic local event.
"At Silverspring Sales & Lettings, we're passionate about investing in the places we work and live, and it's a privilege to be part of a celebration that showcases the very best of Yorkshire. We look forward to seeing residents, families and visitors enjoying everything the weekend has to offer."
Organisers would like to thank both sponsors for their generous support and commitment to the local community. Their backing plays an important role in helping deliver a high-quality, free event that residents and visitors can enjoy. The event is also grateful for the continued support of Ilkley Town Council, whose encouragement and involvement has helped the celebration continue to grow and succeed.
Saturday will see the town centre come alive with music across two stages, with performances taking place at both the Ilkley Bandstand and the main stage located at one end of The Grove. Alongside the live entertainment, visitors can explore the Yorkshire Market, featuring independent traders, artisan producers, makers and local businesses showcasing some of the very best products and produce from across the county. Families can also enjoy a dedicated children’s activity area, making it the perfect day out for visitors of all ages.
[Organiser Colin Watson [right] with colleague Keith from Pinnacle]
The celebrations continue on Sunday, with live music returning to the Bandstand and the Yorkshire Market giving visitors another chance to browse, shop locally and soak up the atmosphere. Whether people are coming along to enjoy the entertainment, meet friends, support local businesses or simply enjoy a summer day in one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful towns, there will be plenty to see and do.
The success of the Yorkshire Day Celebration Weekend is a real community achievement, with volunteers working behind the scenes throughout the year to plan and deliver the event. Created for the benefit of the town, the celebration provides a platform for local performers, traders and organisations while encouraging people to come together and enjoy a free event in the heart of Ilkley.
Colin Watson, one of the event’s organisers said:
“Last year’s Yorkshire Day celebrations were a fantastic success and it was wonderful to see so many people coming together to enjoy the weekend. We’re delighted to be bringing the event back and are incredibly grateful to everyone who makes it possible – especially our volunteers, sponsors, Ilkley Town Council, local businesses and the wider community.
“Silverspring Sales & Lettings and Greenholme House Care Home have given us tremendous support, and their sponsorship helps us continue to offer a free celebration that everyone can enjoy. Yorkshire Day is all about pride in our county and celebrating the people and communities that make it special.”
With live music, local markets, family activities and a fantastic atmosphere expected throughout the weekend, organisers are inviting everyone to come along and join the celebrations.
The Yorkshire Day Celebration Weekend is free to attend and promises to be one of Ilkley’s highlights of the summer – a celebration created by the community, powered by volunteers and enjoyed by everyone.
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