Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID) has been awarded the prestigious Silver Award in the Community Project category at the National BID Awards 2026.
The awards ceremony, held on Monday 9 February at the Leonardo Royal London City Hotel, celebrated exceptional achievements in Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) from across the UK.
The National BID Awards shine a spotlight on the vital role BIDs play in revitalising high streets, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening local communities. This year’s ceremony recognised a wide range of initiatives, from innovative place-making projects and impactful partnerships to community-driven projects.
Ilkley BID secured the Silver Award for its Yorkshire Day Weekend, a successful, community-focused event that took place from 1–3 August 2025.
The Yorkshire Day Weekend was the culmination of 12 months of careful planning and collaboration, with Ilkley BID partnering with Ilkley Town Council, Pinnacle Design, Bradford District Metropolitan Council, Real Markets, Ilkley Carnival, Ilkley Live, and numerous other community groups. The weekend offered a diverse programme, bringing together culture, music, food, and drink, attracting both locals and visitors to celebrate the best of the town.
Ilkley BID Manager, Sarah Brookfield-Almond, shared her pride in the achievement:
“We are absolutely delighted to bring home a Silver Award for Ilkley’s Yorkshire Day Weekend. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our small, but passionate, team who are committed every day to promoting Ilkley as an exceptional place to live, work, and visit. It was an honour to be part of such a fantastic event, and we are proud to have represented Ilkley alongside other prominent BIDs from major cities such as Liverpool, Newcastle, and St Albans.”
“The Yorkshire Day Weekend was an overwhelming success which people are still talking about today. It demonstrates the power of collaboration and what can be achieved when businesses, residents, and local organisations come together to create something truly special for the community.”
Speaking during the ceremony, Awards Director Damian Cummins reflected on the successes celebrated:
“Business Improvement Districts from across the country gathered at the Leonardo Royal, London City Hotel to recognise a year of innovation and commitment. The National BID Awards celebrate organisations delivering meaningful change for their communities.
"Ilkley BID stood out for their collaborative, community-focused approach, demonstrating how well-designed projects can build local connections and create lasting benefits. The award represents an important milestone for Ilkley BID, reinforcing their dedication to making Ilkley a thriving place to live, visit and do business.”
For more information about the work of Ilkley BID, visit: www.ilkleybid.co.uk.
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