Ilkley Beer Festival is marking its 18th year on February 13th & 14th with a renewed focus on community fundraising and support for local businesses,
Every penny of profit from the event is reinvested directly back into the Ilkley area. Since its inception, the festival has raised more than £300,000 for local good causes, with funds supporting a wide range of organisations across the town.
Money raised through the annual festival, held at the King’s Hall & Winter Garden, helps fund local sports clubs, youth activities, and community groups, as well as organisations supporting older residents and disability charities. Dozens of other local causes also benefit throughout the year, reinforcing the festival’s role as a key fundraising event rather than a commercial venture.
Ilkley & District Round Table, the festivals organisers are keen to emphasise that Ilkley Beer Festival is run entirely as a community fundraiser. Pricing is set to remain fair and accessible for all attendees (aged 18 and over), covering the real costs of staging the event while ensuring that any surplus is returned to the community.
A spokesperson said:
“This festival has always been about giving something back. Every pint poured, every ticket sold, and every supplier we work with helps strengthen Ilkley. It’s not about profit - it’s about supporting the people, clubs, and organisations that make this town what it is.”
A key part of that commitment is the festival’s strong emphasis on working with local producers and suppliers. This year’s event will feature beers from well-known local breweries including Bini Brew Co, Wharfedale Brewery, and Ilkley Brewery, showcasing the diversity and quality of brewing talent in the region. Organisers say supporting independent brewers not only enhances the festival experience for attendees but also helps sustain the local drinks industry.
In addition to local breweries, the festival continues to prioritise partnerships with independent businesses from Ilkley and the surrounding area. Local butcher Lishman’s of Ilkley will once again be supplying food, while Dotty Print, another Ilkley-based company, continues to support the festival with printed materials.
Now firmly established as a highlight of the town’s calendar, Ilkley Beer Festival is known not only for its wide range of beers, but also for its live music, welcoming atmosphere, and strong sense of community. Organisers say the event’s longevity, now reaching 18 years, is a testament to the continued support of local residents, volunteers, suppliers, and sponsors.
However, they also note that rising costs and ongoing economic pressures make public support more important than ever. By attending the festival, bringing friends, and understanding that prices reflect genuine operating costs, visitors play a direct role in ensuring the event can continue and that its charitable impact is sustained.
Every pound spent at the festival is reinvested locally, reinforcing Ilkley Beer Festival’s long-standing role as a celebration of community, local enterprise, and shared enjoyment.
Tickets for Ilkley Beer Festival are available now at: https://ilkleybeerfestival.org.uk/
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