Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has revealed which ‘Town of Culture’ bid he is backing - as both Ilkley and Keighley compete for the national award.
The new competition, launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), will see towns across the UK compete for the title.
The winning town will receive £3 million in 2028, while three finalists will each receive £250,000. Shortlisted towns will also receive at £60,000 grant to help develop their bid.
But rather than choosing between Keighley and Ilkley, local MP Robbie Moore says BOTH bids have his backing.
Mr Moore has pointed out that both towns are applying in different categories within the competition based on their population size, meaning both could progress to the final stage.
On the bid process, Mr Moore said:
“What many people may not realise is that our two local towns they are applying in different categories. Ilkley’s bid is being submitted as a Small Town application, while Keighley’s is a Medium Town application. That means there is an opportunity for both towns to progress to the final stages of the competition, which - most importantly - comes with £250,000 of investment.”
For Ilkley, the Town of Culture bid is an opportunity to celebrate the town’s long-standing reputation as a centre for arts, culture and creativity, as well as the vibrant community life that continues to attract visitors from across the region.
Supporting Ilkey’s bid, Robbie Moore MP said:
"Ilkley has an exceptional cultural offering for a town of its size. From the Ilkley Literature Festival, the Beer Festival, the Half Marathon and the Ilkley Tennis Open to our theatres, galleries and iconic Lido, there is never a shortage of things to do for people of all ages. Above all, there is a strong culture of collaboration to bring these events together, which is exactly what competitions like this are designed to showcase.
"Not only has this helped Ilkley in being officially rated the Best Place to Live in the UK, we’re also home to the anthem of Yorkshire itself.
"This is about celebrating what’s good about Ilkley while attempting to secure up to £3 investment to help make our town even better. I look forward to supporting Ilkley’s bid throughout the process.”
Ilkley businesses suffer as representative protest against new parking charges
Fundraising launched for Lizzie after devastating diagnoses
New Ilkley based production company presents Bindweed
Airedale Hospital introduces new service for prostate cancer
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of BBC's Gladiators
Lexus Ilkley Open x Beyond The Baseline 2026
Village panto raises over £3,000 for good causes
Have a cracking time at Nell Bank this Easter
Ilkley Pre-School faces closure without urgent financial lifeline
MP shares update on redevelopment of Airedale Hospital
Age UK shop is Ilkley appeals for donations as stocks are low
Fuggle & Golding saved by Horsforth Brewery
Joanna seeks life-extending treatment after brain tumour diagnosis
Winners revealed for Ilkley Business Awards 2026
Airedale Hospital charity hits the road for its fifth annual World Book Day adventure
Yorkshire Water, what is happening behind all those blue hoardings?
Ilkley Cemetery's Beanlands Parade gates repairs
Local MP backs campaign to protect affordable residential experiences for young people
Claire Baxter Gallery announces closure in Ilkley
Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting and Citizen Awards 2026
