This year Ilkley will host the county's Yorkshire Day celebrations. Many of those coming to the events will arrive by train, which is perfectly fitting because 1st August also marks the 160th anniversary of Ilkley Station opening and a new exhibition looking back.
It was on 1st August 1865 that the joint railway companies the Northern and the Midland started their services to Leeds and Bradford.
The history of the line from the 1860s to the present-day features in a new exhibition being held at Ilkley Manor House. The exhibition, organised by the Friends of Ilkley Rail Station (FOIRS) brings together a fascinating collection of images from across the different eras telling the story of the station and some of the people who have worked on the local railway.
Also, on display will be copies of the architect's plans for the viaduct, built in the 1880s to carry the Skipton line over the western portion of Ilkley, and a piece of decorative ironwork salvaged from the bridge that once spanned Brook Street.
Stephen Thornton, Chair of FOIRS commented:
“As a small team we are very proud of the material we have assembled for this exhibition. We believe the event will be of interest to all age groups and brings alive this vibrant asset of the town. I want to make a personal thank you to the team in particular to Mark Hunnebell a local historian who has dedicated 100’s of hours researching and preparing the material.
“The Friends of Ilkley Rail Station are also very grateful to everyone who has contributed to the exhibition. Particularly F.W. 'Bill' Smith, Mike Dixon, Sally Gunton, Jason Newman and Aimee Maxwell-Stewart (madebyaim.co.uk).”
The free exhibition will be open for viewing at Ilkley Manor House, 11am to 4pm Saturdays, Sundays, bank holiday Monday and Yorkshire Day between 1st and 25th August.
In addition, FOIRS will be holding an informal evening at the Manor House with an illustrated talk about the station's history on Thursday 21st August, 6pm to 8pm. Tickets are £10 and available at www.ilkleymanorhouse.org/event/talk-keeping-track
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
Outside the Box and Ilkley Live make music together
New drone will be used 'wherever it is needed' to stop fly tipping
Calendar of events announced at Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust AGM
Experience the magic of opera at charity gala in Ilkley
Your Local Experiences earns thousands for local businesses in first month
Four Ilkley businesses in finals of Leeds Oliver Awards 2026
Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary involved with eradicating Polio worldwide
International Women’s Day talk to celebrate ‘Brilliant Bradford Lasses’
