The Ilkley Food & Drink Festival will return for its seventh annual celebration on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June 2026, set against the riverside backdrop of Ilkley and the iconic Cow & Calf Rocks.
Now a staple of the Yorkshire summer calendar, the festival continues to evolve, growing each year in scale, production, and ambition. Attendees can expect a weekend filled with live music, chef demonstrations, artisan markets, family entertainment, and brand-new attractions, promising an immersive experience for all ages.
Festival Director Michael Johnston reflected on the milestone:
“I am incredibly proud of what the team has achieved over the past seven years. The festival has grown each year in its production, appearance and experience.
“We’re grateful for the support of the people of Ilkley as well as those travelling to the event from further afield. It’s a stunning location for the event.
“Each year we try to add something new and different. This year, we’re aiming to take the production up a notch, so attendees can expect a different look and feel of the event... and of course a little sprinkle of craziness.”
In response to growing demand, Festival Manager Nikki Orrell added:
“We’ll be adding additional hot food, bars and market traders to the line-up in 2026 to meet demand. Due to the popularity of the event, we're in a position where the number of trader applications massively outweighs the number of spots we have available. That said, we always encourage new traders to apply, especially if their offering is unique or local. We have a fantastic community at the festival — and that includes the traders. We're always open to welcoming others to join the family.”
The festival will once again partner with Bradford Mind, building on the incredible £164,000 already raised for mental health charities across the North of England.
Early Bird Tickets are now available, for more information visit https://ilkleyfoodfestival.com/
Doggy Days set to return to Ilkley Lido
Foley Films returns to Ilkley with new autumn programme
Spellman Care named Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year
Runners for Great North Run raise over £17,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Sir Gareth Southgate helps raise £23,000 for Martin House at Ilkley golf event
Ashlands Bonfire to celebrate 40th anniversary with biggest-ever fireworks display
Off-peak roadworks begin on A65 near Ilkley
Ilkley businesses become Gold Sponsor of Clarke Foley Community Hub
Ilkley takeaway named among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide
McDonald's near Ilkley seeks earlier opening hours
Ilkley care home resident celebrates 106th birthday
Fresh handmade bread coming to Three Little Birds in Ilkley
Former Ilkley bistro owner teases new venture on the High Street
New Ilkley travel agency to celebrate opening with special event
Mental health campaign launched in memory of son
Yorkshire writers in spotlight at Ilkley Literature Festival
Annual golf day raises £4,383 for Airedale Hospital
The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge
