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.”

Ilkley Pre-School faces closure without urgent financial lifeline
MP shares update on redevelopment of Airedale Hospital
Age UK shop is Ilkley appeals for donations as stocks are low
Fuggle & Golding saved by Horsforth Brewery
Joanna seeks life-extending treatment after brain tumour diagnosis
Winners revealed for Ilkley Business Awards 2026
Airedale Hospital charity hits the road for its fifth annual World Book Day adventure
Yorkshire Water, what is happening behind all those blue hoardings?
Ilkley Cemetery's Beanlands Parade gates repairs
Local MP backs campaign to protect affordable residential experiences for young people
Claire Baxter Gallery announces closure in Ilkley
Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting and Citizen Awards 2026
Outside the Box and Ilkley Live make music together
New drone will be used 'wherever it is needed' to stop fly tipping
Calendar of events announced at Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust AGM
Experience the magic of opera at charity gala in Ilkley
Your Local Experiences earns thousands for local businesses in first month
Four Ilkley businesses in finals of Leeds Oliver Awards 2026
Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary involved with eradicating Polio worldwide
International Women’s Day talk to celebrate ‘Brilliant Bradford Lasses’


