As Ilkley Pride prepares to welcome the community for its annual celebration on Saturday 27 June, organisers are paying tribute to the local hospitality venues whose ongoing support helps make Pride possible both during the event itself and throughout the year.
This year's celebrations have once again highlighted the important role local businesses play in creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people and their allies, with several venues stepping forward to support the event in meaningful ways.
One venue that has gone above and beyond is The Ticket Office, which will host the official Ilkley Pride after party following this year's main event at the King's Hall and Winter Garden.
The move comes after the recent closure of The Yard, which had previously been due to host the after party. Faced with finding an alternative venue at short notice, organisers approached The Ticket Office, which immediately stepped in to ensure Pride-goers would still have a place to celebrate together after the main event concludes.
The Ticket Office is no stranger to supporting Ilkley Pride. In recent years, the venue has proudly hosted the annual Pride Launch events, helping to kick-start Pride Month in Ilkley and providing a welcoming environment for the community to come together ahead of the main celebrations.
Adam, owner of The Ticket Office, said:
"We're incredibly proud to support Ilkley Pride and the LGBTQ+ community. The Ticket Office has always aimed to be a welcoming and inclusive space that's open to everyone, and we're honoured to host this year's official after party. Pride is about community, visibility and celebration, and we're delighted to play our part in helping make that happen."
Ilkley Pride organisers said the venue's willingness to step in at the last minute demonstrates the strength of support that exists within the town's hospitality sector.
While The Ticket Office will bring the celebrations into the evening, organisers are also keen to recognise the remarkable contribution of Vitello Lounge, whose support for LGBTQ+ people extends far beyond a single day each year.
Vitello Lounge has become one of Ilkley's most visible and consistent allies, regularly opening its doors to community groups and creating welcoming opportunities for people to connect. The venue has established itself as an important hub for inclusion, friendship and community engagement, helping to foster a sense of belonging for many local LGBTQ+ residents and allies.
Following the conclusion of the main Pride event at King's Hall, Vitello Lounge will serve as a key gathering point for attendees before the official after party begins at The Ticket Office, ensuring visitors have another welcoming space in which to continue celebrating and socialising. Vocalist Megan Isabella will be performing to keep crowds entertained while they eat.
Throughout Pride Month, Vitello Lounge has also been fundraising to support local LGBTQ+ projects and initiatives, helping to generate vital funding that stays within the local community and supports future activities and events.
In addition, the venue hosts regular Coffee & Cake social gatherings for the LGBTQ+ community, which have become a valued fixture for many attendees. These relaxed and welcoming events provide opportunities for people to meet new friends, strengthen community connections and combat social isolation in a safe and inclusive environment.
Ilkley Pride organisers praised Vitello Lounge's commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for connection throughout the year, describing its support as an example of how local businesses can make a lasting difference to community wellbeing.
An Ilkley Pride spokesperson said:
"Pride is about far more than one day of celebration. It's about creating spaces where people feel welcome, valued and able to be themselves all year round. Both The Ticket Office and Vitello Lounge embody those values in different ways, and we're incredibly grateful for everything they do to support our community.
"The fact that The Ticket Office stepped in so quickly when we needed a new after party venue speaks volumes about their commitment to Pride, while Vitello Lounge continues to demonstrate what meaningful allyship looks like through its fundraising, community events and year-round support for LGBTQ+ people. We simply couldn't ask for better partners."
Organisers would also like to thank Bini Brew for a hamper that will be raffled during Ilkley Pride on 27 June. The raffle will help raise funds to support future Pride activities and community projects, ensuring Ilkley Pride can continue to grow and serve local LGBTQ+ people and their allies for years to come.
As the countdown to Pride continues, organisers say the support shown by local businesses demonstrates the welcoming and inclusive spirit that has become synonymous with Ilkley Pride.
The spokesperson added:
"The success of Pride depends on community, we're fortunate to have businesses that don't simply support Pride in words, but through genuine action and partnership. Their contribution helps create a stronger, more connected and more inclusive Ilkley for everyone."
Tickets for Ilkley Pride 2026 are available now via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ilkley-pride-2026-tickets-1986649460014
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