Organisers of the Ilkley Food and Drink festival have confirmed the full live music programme for their seventh annual celebration returning to the riverside setting on 13 & 14 June 2026.
ABBA and Bruce Springsteen tribute acts, alongside a diverse showcase of local soloists, community-groups and bands will perform across the weekend on East Holmes Field.
These announcements coincide with recently-revealed plans for a brand-new arena, set to offer an eclectic mix of free family challenges and interactive contests.
Festival Director Michael Johnston spoke on their aims to create a fresh experience for both new and returning visitors:
“Heading into our seventh year, we expect to welcome plenty of new faces as well as several returning visitors. We want to create an exciting experience for every single person who walks through our doors, which means constantly looking for new ways to enhance what we offer. Several ideas that have been in the works for a while are finally coming to life.”
Saturday 13 June
Headlining Saturday evening are Planet ABBA, one of the UK’s leading ABBA tributes, celebrating the band’s music for over 25 years. The full Saturday live music programme includes:
● 11:00 Wil Forrester Smooth Saxophone - breezy saxophone covers
● 12:00 Hot Aire Concert Band - community concert band
● 13:15 Sienna Craven - talented up-and-coming vocalist
● 14:30 The Johnny Storm Band - classic rock ‘n’ roll
● 16:00 Tempo Feliz - Samba-driven Brazilian funk
● 17:45 Planet ABBA - Tribute to ABBA
● 19:15 Ibiza Sax Classics - Ibiza favourites
Sunday 14 June
Headlining Sunday evening are The Boss and The Beeston Street Band, a renowned Yorkshire-based tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band . The full Sunday live music programme includes:
● 11:00 Will Forrester Smooth Sax - vibrant saxophone covers
● 11:45 Howlin’ Mat - solo blues artist
● 13:00 Scoble and Friends - charming community acoustics
● 14:15 Leeds City Stompers - red-hot blues band
● 15:30 Gaelfroce - Celtic folk rock
● 17:15 The Boss and The Beeston Street Band - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band tribute
● 18:30 Ibiza Sax - Ibiza Favourites to close out the festival
Brand-new for 2026 is the introduction of the Sizzling Showdown Arena, host to an eccentric schedule of family competitions, challenges and activities with playful twists. Three core contests will take place daily within the arena:
● The Foodie Olympics - returning with a refreshed structure, new games and enhanced audience participation
● The Chilli Challenge - fiery eating challenges for daring attendees
● The Family Dog Show - friendly competitions between beloved family pets
Organisers have further unveiled plans for their new ‘Inflatable Banana Jousting Ring’, located right beside the arena. The attraction invites competitive families and friends to a series of light-hearted inflatable duels against one another.
Both attractions are completely free for ticket holders.
Early Bird Tickets are still available, priced at £6.95 for Adults, £4.95 for Under 16’s, and Free for Under 5’s.
For more information, Early Bird Tickets, and updates, visit ilkleyfoodfestival.com

Plans for 100 new homes at Great Pasture Lane in Burley in Wharfedale
Boulder-shaped house approved for Ilkley Moor following planning appeal
ABBA tribute and fireworks set for Ilkley Bonfire Bonanza
Record-breaking Glitter Ball raises over £280,000 for children's hospice
Ilkley BID shortlisted for two national awards
Ilkley Christmas Lights Switch-On to return in November
Ryanair announce new flights from Leeds Bradford Airport
Winter DalesBus timetable changes announced for Ilkley
Leeds Bradford Airport strikes suspended as fresh pay talks planned
New Bradford railway station could benefit Ilkley passengers
Historic Ilkley building begins new chapter as Verbeia Grange opens
Inherited jewellery: where do you start?
MOVE Ilkley celebrates successful open afternoon
Free Bonfire Night event returning to Ilkley Cricket Club
Hundreds of new homes proposed for Ilkley and Addingham in Local Plan
Yorkshire residents invited to apply for BBC's The Traitors
Police appeal after Land Rover stolen near Ilkley
Yorkshire Water issues reminder ahead of plastic wet wipe ban
Martin House named Hospice of the Year at national awards
Ilkley deli celebrates six years in business


