Your Ilkley Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Go West

We Close Our Eyes

Listen Live Podcasts

VE Day 80 marked in Ilkley

Friday, 9 May 2025 08:19

Ilkley residents mark VE Day 80

Ilkley marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a programme of events to commemorate the end of fighting in Europe in World War Two.

Events started at 6.30pm with bell-ringing at All Saints Church by the Ilkley Bellringers.

From 7pm attention turned to Ilkley Bandstand on The Grove, where local band Jump, Jive and Wail created a carnival atmosphere with singing and dancing.

(Jump, Jive and Wail performing on Ilkley Bandstand)

Crowds then moved to the Ilkley Memorial Gardens where MC Anne Hawkesworth spoke of Mrs Pam Rae, an Ilkley resident and proud veteran who turns 100 this year, and introduced music from the Two Rivers Band and the RAF Air Cadets 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron.

The VE Day 80 Proclamation was read by Ilkley Town Crier, Isabel Ashman.

Ilkley Town Mayor, Councillor Damian Kearns, and representative of the Mayor of Coutances, Councillor Didier Lefèvre, both spoke and shook hands as a sign of friendship between the two towns.

(Ilkley Town Mayor, Cllr Damian Kearns, representative of the Mayor of Coutances, Cllr Didier Lefèvre and Ilkley Town Crier)

The Minister’s address was given by Rector Fr David Pickett from the Ilkley Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club.

Residents joined in a selection of Vera Lynn songs before the The Tribute read by Deputy Lieutenant Stephen Boardman and lighting of the beacon at 9.30pm

The evening ended with singing I Vow To Thee, My Country and the national anthem.

(Anne Hawkesworth was the master of ceremony for the evening)

More from Local news

Spellman Care named Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year

Family-run care provider Spellman Care is celebrating after winning a major prize at the Keighley and Airedale Business Awards.
Runners for Great North Run raise over £17,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Runners taking on this year's Great North Run have raised more than £17,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Sir Gareth Southgate helps raise £23,000 for Martin House at Ilkley golf event

Sir Gareth Southgate was among a host of sporting stars who helped raise more than £23,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice at Ilkley Golf Club.
Ashlands Bonfire to celebrate 40th anniversary with biggest-ever fireworks display

Tickets have gone on sale for Ashlands Bonfire as the popular Ilkley event prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Off-peak roadworks begin on A65 near Ilkley

Drivers are being warned of possible delays as roadworks get underway on the A65 near Ilkley.
Ilkley businesses become Gold Sponsor of Clarke Foley Community Hub

The Crescent Inn and Bistrot Pierre have become the latest Gold Sponsor of Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley.
Ilkley takeaway named among Tripadvisor’s top 10% worldwide

An Ilkley Indian takeaway is celebrating after receiving a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award for 2026.
McDonald's near Ilkley seeks earlier opening hours

A branch of McDonalds that opened two years ago has applied to change its opening hours.
Ilkley care home resident celebrates 106th birthday

An Ilkley care home resident has celebrated a remarkable milestone after turning 106.
Fresh handmade bread coming to Three Little Birds in Ilkley

Fresh handmade bread is being added to the shelves at Three Little Birds Bakery in Ilkley following growing demand from customers.
Former Ilkley bistro owner teases new venture on the High Street

The man behind two former Vietnamese restaurants is preparing to make a return to Ilkley town centre.
New Ilkley travel agency to celebrate opening with special event

A new independent travel agency in Ilkley is inviting locals to celebrate the opening of its latest branch next month.
Mental health campaign launched in memory of son

A mental health awareness campaign has been launched in memory of a man who died in Ilkley earlier this year.
Yorkshire writers in spotlight at Ilkley Literature Festival

Yorkshire's literary talent will take centre stage when Ilkley Literature Festival returns next month, with a third of this year's authors having links to the county.
Annual golf day raises £4,383 for Airedale Hospital

A charity golf day has raised more than £4,300 to support patients, families and staff at Airedale.
The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business

The Ilkley Cow is calling on customers for support after entering a nationwide competition to find the UK's Favourite Local Business.
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment

Verbeia Grange will open on Monday 5th October, providing residential care for people aged 65 and over.
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge

A team from Ilkley-headquartered estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley has taken on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for a local children’s charity.
Classic film meets live rock concert at Ilkley's King's Hall

A show combining classic cinema with live rock music is coming to Ilkley's King's Hall this Friday (25th September).
Reform leaders urge Mayor to drop tourist tax plans

Reform UK's leaders across West Yorkshire are clashing head on with the region’s Mayor over proposals to introduce a “tourist tax.”