For the last 55 years Earth Day has been celebrated annually on April 22nd. This year its theme was “Our Power Our Planet”.
This weekend, following on from a similar successful event last year, St. John's Church, Ben Rhydding will be hosting its own two day Earth Celebration from May 2nd -4th with variety of events promoting "Our Precious Earth" and "The Earth we Inhabit".
Organised by the environmental committee of St. John's Church, the Earth Weekend begins on Friday evening with an exhibition from 7pm to 9pm, of art and photography by a group of local artists whose works will be on display over the weekend. There will be a musical interlude with the "Bring Me Sunshine Trio" and refreshments will be available.
Saturday morning sees an Eco Fair from 10am-12noon with a number of stalls promoting Fairtrade, wildlife conservation and ways of moving to carbon net zero, along with local promoters of environmental causes and animal welfare, plus a second-hand stall from Cancer research.
Refreshments will again be available.
Art work from Ben-Rhydding Primary school pupils will reflect their views of the Earth, while a children's activity table will challenge younger visitors.
From 3 – 5pm in the afternoon a Community Singing Workshop with all voices welcome, will be led by the vocal quartet Oaken, who will themselves be in concert from 7 – 9pm. (These are ticketed events with tickets available from TicketSource or on the day).
Sunday services on 4th May will continue an Earth Day theme with the 10am service, followed later at 3pm, by the regular monthly ARK service for all abilities with music, dance and art.
Lynn Haygarth, lead member of St.John's environmental committee said:
“Climate change and the environment are clearly hot topics right now and we hope this weekend will offer visitors an ideal opportunity to browse and consider our own effects on "Our Precious Earth” and what we can do individually to reduce climate change.”

Little Shop of Horrors set to wow audiences
MP launches 2025 Small Business Awards
ELO to Abba, choir and Brass Band come together for Ilkley concert
Airedale rebuild takes first step with multi-storey car park plans
Pub sees increase in business after introducing 'Tax-free Monday'
Ilkley Manor House Christmas Makers’ Fair returns in November
Ilkley's annual Remembrance parade and service this Sunday
New journey for Ilkley's Ticket Office bar
Addingham invites traders for festive Christmas market
Ilkley Rugby Club to host girls open afternoon
Smiles all round after singing workshop
Airedale Hospital launch annual Christmas card competition
Festive sparkle returns to Burley‑in‑Wharfedale
Annual Beer and Blues Festival supports Ilkley Live
Community spirit sparkles at Ilkley’s Christmas Tree Festival
2026 dates announced for the 7th Ilkley Food & Drink Festival
Organisers cancel Ilkley Pumpkin Trail
Limited tickets remain for Ashlands Bonfire and Fireworks night
Ilkley households to get weekly food waste collections
Three more Ilkley 'Real Markets' of 2025


