Everyone’s invited to Ilkley’s Car Free Festival

Monday, 9 September 2024 09:08

A previous Car Free Festival on The Grove

Climate Action Ilkley’s 5th annual Car Free Festival will take place on The Grove on Sunday 22nd September, 11am-4pm.

The festival is inspired by World Car Free Day which happens every year on 22nd September and is celebrated by many communities across the UK and globally. The festival provides an opportunity to experience a central thoroughfare free of motor traffic and to ask the question what would towns and cities be like if we gave more space to pedestrians and cyclists.

Helen Steward from Climate Action Ilkley said:

“On the day, there will be a large range of different stalls and activities. There will be a range of green energy and insulation providers to chat to, for those who might be thinking of taking the plunge into heat pumps, solar panels, or better insulation.

“For children, there will be the ever-popular Street Play and Pedal-on-the-Grove, brought to you by Ilkley Cycling Club (bring bikes and helmets if possible!). Children from All Saints School will be displaying the results of their Living Streets campaign in the summer term which saw many more students walking, scooting and cycling to school. Experience Community will be bringing a range of adaptive bikes for disabled people to try out.

“A free bike service will be generously provided by Capital of Cycling - get your bike up and running again! Martinez will be opening their pop-up bar and stage for music in The Grove Park and there will be other food & drink stalls, as well as plenty of options around the town. Bring your bike along for a free service, generously provided by Capital of Cycling.

“Our local Culture Declares Emergency Hub will set up a pop up sitting room for people to come and chat, share worries, ‘sit with it’, and get inspired to consider and engage in the role of culture in responding to the climate crisis.

“This year’s festival is being held alongside the Ilkley Clean River Group’s national event: Cleaning Up Our Rivers, Lakes & Seas which will take place from 12:30-4.30pm in Christchurch. Come and hear talks from world experts about what we can do about our polluted waters, find out about Yorkshire Water’s plans for Ilkley Sewage Works and see artwork by our local primary schoolchildren.

“We hope to see you on the day!”