Ilkley Pride is gearing up for its biggest celebration yet as it returns to the iconic King’s Hall & Winter Garden on Saturday 27 June 2026, marking the 5-year anniversary of Ilkley Pride.
With less than a week to go, anticipation is building across the town for a day-long festival celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, inclusion, creativity, and community spirit.
Organisers have announced that this year’s celebration will also mark an important turning point: Ilkley Pride 2026 will be the final edition hosted at King’s Hall, as the organisation begins actively exploring new venue options for 2027 onwards. The decision reflects the continued growth of the event and the ambition to expand its reach and capacity in future years, while maintaining the welcoming community atmosphere that has defined it since its launch.
Since its beginnings, Ilkley Pride has developed into a major fixture in the local calendar, bringing together residents, visitors, families, allies, performers, and community groups in a vibrant celebration of visibility and equality. The 2026 event will once again transform King's Hall, Ilkley into a hub of live entertainment, community stalls, food, drink, and interactive activities, running from midday through to early evening, beginning with the traditional Pride flag raising ceremony in town.
This year’s line-up includes a mix of returning favourites and local talent, with performances from Marigold Addams, Elliot Rose, Subrosa, Joze Dance, and Pop n Rock Choir Ilkley. Headlining the anniversary event is Mark Wood (Bernie De Bra), a performer with a special place in Ilkley Pride history. Mark, who grew up in Ilkley, famously opened the very first Ilkley Pride as one half of drag duo Bosom Buddies, helping launch the event in its inaugural year, and now returns five years later as a solo headliner for this milestone celebration. Speaking about Ilkley Pride, Mark commented “I love coming back to Ilkley and not having to hide the fact I am gay. Here I am – a drag queen.”
Ilkley Pride continues to be delivered with the support of key local partners, including Ilkley Town Council, Ilkley Round Table, and Ilkley Community Network, whose backing has helped the event grow into one of the town’s most anticipated annual celebrations. Damian Kearns, Mayor of Ilkley, said:
“Pride in Ilkley has become an important and valued part of our town’s community calendar. Over the last five years it has helped foster a spirit of inclusion, respect, and celebration for people from all backgrounds. I’m delighted to support this year’s events and encourage residents and visitors alike to join in the celebrations.”
Organisers say this year’s Pride is both a celebration and a send-off—honouring five years of progress, visibility, and community connection at King’s Hall, while looking ahead to an exciting new chapter for the festival’s future home.
The day will conclude with an official after-party hosted by the Ticket Office, extending the celebrations into the evening and giving attendees the chance to continue marking the occasion together.
Tickets for Ilkley Pride 2026 are available now via Eventbrite, with organisers encouraging people to secure their place for what promises to be a landmark event:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ilkley-pride-2026-tickets-1986649460014
As Ilkley Pride reaches its fifth year, the message is clear: this is more than a festival - it is a growing community movement, and 2026 will be its most significant moment yet.
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