It was the year 2000 when the Rotary Club of Ilkley and Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale announced an ambitious plan for a millennium project, the Ilkley Bandstand, to provide a music and performance space in the very heart of town.
With the support of other Ilkley voluntary organisations and public donations, the Bandstand and seating area became a reality, and was officially opened by Richard Whiteley in 2001.
The architecture of the bandstand was quite traditional, to be sympathetic to its adjacent setting, The Grove and the former Grove Convalescent Home, now Abbeyfield Residential Home, whose private land the Bandstand is located, but allow public access.
The bandstand is managed by the charity, Bandstand Trusts 2000, which was set up by the two Rotary clubs, and has its own Trustees and Committee of hardworking volunteers.
These volunteers undertake the year-round maintenance the site requires, everything from gardening to little collection and publicity, with the assistants of professionals when such skills are required, such as lighting and building repairs.
A spokesperson for the Bandstand Trusts 2000 said:
“This year we will have a charity event at Christchurch on The Grove on the 16 July with the Bradford Brass Band, ticket and other information available shortly. A full day of entertainment on the Bandstand will follow on Saturday 18 July.”
With an eclectic mix from big bands to solo performers, folk music to jazz, and youth choirs to seniors instrumental groups, the 2026 Bandstand Programme with over 40 performers has been announced, and is on display on the noticeboard onsite.
The calendar of events for each weekend from April to October are also posted on the noticeboard and regular updates are posted on The Ilkley Bandstand Official Facebook page.
The spokesperson added:
“The Bandstand committee does allow performers to collect for a recognised charity, the Charity number helps with the Music licence costs, which along with public liability costs are a heavy burden.
“The Bandstand Committee does have to raise its own finance whilst not currently charging Voluntary groups or individuals to play as part of the programme of summer music. One committee member heads up a sponsorship initiative which, despite the present tightening economic climate, is an important source of income to a structure and environment which is now 25 years old.
“We look forward to the next 25 years, providing a musical phenomenon for visitors to the town but most importantly for Ilkley residents and all those who value this special green oasis on The Grove.”
Anyone who wishes to support the Ilkley Bandstand can contact the committee Chairman, Martin Smith, via email bmsmith.ilkley@gmail.com
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