Nick Babb

2:00pm - 6:00pm

Email the studio

Travie McCoy & Bruno Mars

Billionaire

Listen Live Podcasts

VE Day 80 marked in Ilkley

Friday, 9 May 2025 at 08:19

Ilkley residents mark VE Day 80

Ilkley marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a programme of events to commemorate the end of fighting in Europe in World War Two.

Events started at 6.30pm with bell-ringing at All Saints Church by the Ilkley Bellringers.

From 7pm attention turned to Ilkley Bandstand on The Grove, where local band Jump, Jive and Wail created a carnival atmosphere with singing and dancing.

(Jump, Jive and Wail performing on Ilkley Bandstand)

Crowds then moved to the Ilkley Memorial Gardens where MC Anne Hawkesworth spoke of Mrs Pam Rae, an Ilkley resident and proud veteran who turns 100 this year, and introduced music from the Two Rivers Band and the RAF Air Cadets 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron.

The VE Day 80 Proclamation was read by Ilkley Town Crier, Isabel Ashman.

Ilkley Town Mayor, Councillor Damian Kearns, and representative of the Mayor of Coutances, Councillor Didier Lefèvre, both spoke and shook hands as a sign of friendship between the two towns.

(Ilkley Town Mayor, Cllr Damian Kearns, representative of the Mayor of Coutances, Cllr Didier Lefèvre and Ilkley Town Crier)

The Minister’s address was given by Rector Fr David Pickett from the Ilkley Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club.

Residents joined in a selection of Vera Lynn songs before the The Tribute read by Deputy Lieutenant Stephen Boardman and lighting of the beacon at 9.30pm

The evening ended with singing I Vow To Thee, My Country and the national anthem.

(Anne Hawkesworth was the master of ceremony for the evening)

More from Local news

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.
Yorkshire residents invited to apply for BBC's The Traitors

Yorkshire residents who think they can spot a liar – or keep a secret themselves – are being invited to apply for The Traitors.
Police appeal after Land Rover stolen near Ilkley

Police are appealing for information after a blue Land Rover Discovery Sport was stolen from Middleton, near Ilkley.
Yorkshire Water issues reminder ahead of plastic wet wipe ban

Yorkshire Water has issued a reminder about the problems caused by flushing wet wipes ahead of a ban next year.
Martin House named Hospice of the Year at national awards

Martin House has been named Hospice of the Year at the National Charity Today Awards.