Your Ilkley Radio

4:00pm - 8:00am

Email the studio

Harry Styles

Watermelon Sugar

Listen Live Podcasts

Local Pride groups receive new patron

Sunday, 12 May 2024 at 14:00

Alan Bennett will become the first patron of Ilkley and Keighley Pride

Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group and their sister organisation Keighley Pride are proud to announce that the award-winning LGBT playwright and author Alan Bennett will become their first patron.

Alan, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday has received numerous awards and honours throughout his career including two BAFTA Awards, four Laurence Olivier Awards, and two Tony Awards. He also earned an Academy Award nomination for his film The Madness of King George and in 2005 Alan received the Society of London Theatre Special Award.

Speaking about the upcoming pride month of June, Alan said “What I would hope for is that one day sexuality will be taken for granted and be of no more consequence or interest than the colour of one’s eyes”.

n a 2015 interview Alan talked about the concept of coming out and stated “People talk about coming out to their parents, and I just didn't see the point of that.

A spokesperson for Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group said “We are absolutely thrilled that Alan Bennett has agreed to support Pride in our local area. As society continues to increase their understanding of, and tolerance towards the LGBT+ community we believe we are gradually getting closer to achieving Alan’s vision of a world where sexuality and gender identity is no longer of any consequence.”

David Shaw MBE, Chair of both Ilkley and Keighley Pride, said “Being endorsed by someone like Alan is fantastic for our group. We’re only a small committee of volunteers and we work so hard to put on a fantastic event that’s open to all. Alan’s support means a lot to us and we hope this provides the encouragement people need to engage and work with Pride organisations to help reduce intolerance, helping us build a better community.”

Tickets for this year’s Ilkley Pride are on sale now from https://shorturl.at/hjlC6.

More from Local news

Golf legend Colin Montgomerie honours long-serving Ilkley Golf Club staff

Two members of staff at Ilkley Golf Club have been recognised for more than 40 years of service each, with golfing legend Colin Montgomerie presenting them with commemorative plaques.
Ilkley group sponsors new football kit for Skipton girls' team

Skipton Juniors Under 16 Girls have received a brand-new football kit thanks to sponsorship from Soroptimist International Ilkley.
Volunteers tackle major footpath improvements on Ilkley Moor

Volunteers are taking on a major project to improve a popular footpath through Panorama Woods leading up to Ilkley Moor.
Heritage railway celebrates 58 years since historic Skipton meeting

A heritage railway near Skipton has celebrated its 58th anniversary with a special event recognising the volunteers who have helped preserve its history.
Ilkley hair salon celebrates 20 years in business

An independent hair salon in Ilkley is celebrating 20 years in business alongside a new partnership with luxury haircare brand Kérastase.
Plans for 100 new homes at Great Pasture Lane in Burley in Wharfedale

Plans for 100 new homes at Great Pasture Lane in Burley in Wharfedale have been revealed as part of Bradford Council's latest housing proposals.
Boulder-shaped house approved for Ilkley Moor following planning appeal

Plans for an unusual house designed to resemble giant boulders on the edge of Ilkley Moor have been approved following a planning appeal.
ABBA tribute and fireworks set for Ilkley Bonfire Bonanza

An evening of fireworks, live music and entertainment is coming to Ilkley next month as the ABBA Bonfire Bonanza returns.
Record-breaking Glitter Ball raises over £280,000 for children's hospice

A charity ball at Rudding Park has raised more than £280,000 for Martin House children’s hospice – the highest total in the event’s history.
Ilkley BID shortlisted for two national awards

Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID) has been named as a finalist in two categories at the National BID Awards 2027.
Ilkley Christmas Lights Switch-On to return in November

Ilkley's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On will return next month, with a full day of festive entertainment planned for the town centre.
Ryanair announce new flights from Leeds Bradford Airport

Ryanair has announced four new routes from Leeds Bradford Airport for summer 2027.
Winter DalesBus timetable changes announced for Ilkley

Weekend bus services connecting Ilkley with the Yorkshire Dales are moving to their winter timetables as the clocks go back this weekend.
Leeds Bradford Airport strikes suspended as fresh pay talks planned

Planned strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport have been suspended to allow fresh negotiations over pay.
New Bradford railway station could benefit Ilkley passengers

A new railway station has been confirmed for Bradford Interchange, with plans to improve connections across Yorkshire and the North.
Historic Ilkley building begins new chapter as Verbeia Grange opens

A historic Ilkley building has reopened as a residential care home following a refurbishment costing around £2 million.
Inherited jewellery: where do you start?

A jewellery box left behind by a parent or grandparent can be one of the hardest things to deal with after a loss.
MOVE Ilkley celebrates successful open afternoon

A new Ilkley fitness studio has thanked the community for its support following a successful open afternoon.
Free Bonfire Night event returning to Ilkley Cricket Club

Ilkley Cricket Club is preparing to welcome families for a free Bonfire Night celebration next month.
Hundreds of new homes proposed for Ilkley and Addingham in Local Plan

Hundreds of new homes could be built across Ilkley and Addingham under the latest draft of Bradford Council’s Local Plan.