Your Ilkley Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Limmie & Family Cookin'

You Can Do Magic

Listen Live Podcasts

VJ Day service held in Ilkley for 80th anniversary

Tuesday, 19 August 2025 15:12

A Service of Remembrance was held St Margaret’s Parish Church [Photo: YouTube]

A Service of Remembrance was held on Friday 15 August at St Margaret’s Parish Church, Ilkley, on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War (VJ Day).

Organised by Ilkley Town Council, the service was led by Fr Alexander Crawford, vicar of St Margaret’s. Lessons were read by Cllr Jane Gibson, Ilkley Town Mayor, and by Anne Hawksworth, former Bradford District and Ilkley Town Councillor.

Residents had been invited to write down their thoughts and feelings about VJ Day in the weeks prior to the service, and some of these reflections were included in the address given by Fr Alex.

The Ilkley Singers, conducted by Cllr Catherine Cheater, sang the motets Holy is the True Light by William Harris, and For the Fallen by Douglas Guest. The organ was played by Christopher Rathbone, Director of Music at St Margaret’s.

The Act of Remembrance was led by Rev Peter Willox, Vicar of St John’s Parish Church, Ben Rhydding, representing Churches Together in Ilkley. The hymns included O God our help in ages past, Dear Lord and Father of mankind, Eternal God, before whose face we stand and O praise ye the Lord! The service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

The service is available to view on YouTube below.

More from Local news

Coming soon to the Ilkley Playhouse stage

Plan your next visit to Ilkley Playhouse, we take a look at the latest what's on guide.
Former Ilkley Mayor standing for Liberal Democrats in Bradford elections

Bradford Liberal Democrats have announced their candidate. Mark Stidworthy, for the Ilkley and Addingham Ward in the Bradford Council elections on 7 May.
New Litter Awards to recognise local environmental heroes

The new Thomas Black Local Litter Awards aim to recognise volunteers, groups and businesses improving our local environment and celebrate efforts in litter clearing, conservation and community engagement.
Local runners take on the London Marathon to support Children’s Charity

Two dedicated fundraisers, Joe Gaughan and Simon Horsfall, are preparing to take on the iconic London Marathon this year in support of The Principle Trust Children’s Charity.
A true sporting legend comes to King’s Hall Ilkley

Nicknamed Billy Whizz after ‘the fastest boy in the world’-as depicted in the Beano Comic, Leeds born Jason Robinson OBE is coming to Ilkley on Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Yorkshire Water begins work on Ilkley wetland

Work has begun on a nature-based wetland in Ilkley, marking the next step of a £60 million investment to improve water treatment and the water quality of the river Wharfe.
Musical Annie opens on Wednesday at King's Hall

Ilkley Musical Theatre Society’s production of Annie opens this week at the Kings Hall, Ilkley, and the IMTS can’t wait to welcome you!
Ilkley Carnival announces volunteer groups to benefit from event profits

Ilkley Carnival committee has announced that this year’s profits will be donated to groups who volunteer to support the running of the event.
Yorkshire Day celebrations to return and performers are needed

Following the success of last year's Yorkshire Day celebrations in Ilkley, plans are underway for another two day music extravaganza with an appeal going out for performers.
New aesthetics clinic opened in Ilkley

Maesa Aesthetics opened at the weekend located on the corner of Chantry Drive and Cowpasture Road in Ilkley.
Care home's Plank Against Cancer challenge

This April, staff and friends of The Raikes Residential Home in Silsden are coming together to take on a simple, but powerful challenge, a 2-minute plank every day, for the entire month.
Candidates announced for Ilkley and Wharfedale wards at Bradford local elections

Voters across Ilkley and Wharfedale will head to the polls in May for a major shake-up of local democracy, with every council seat being contested in an 'all-out' election.
Line-up for Ilkley Pride 2026 announced as tickets go on sale

Tickets are now on sale for Ilkley Pride 2026, as the event celebrates its 5-year anniversary with its biggest and most exciting programme yet.
Conservative candidates announced for Ilkley & Addingham

Conservative candidates Richard Downey, Andrew Loy, and Jane Sellers have been selected to stand in the Ilkley & Addingham ward in the Bradford Council elections on Thursday 7th May.
Calls for a referendum into water industry ownership from Ilkley clean river campaigners

Feargal Sharkey joins Ilkley Clean River group in calling for a referendum to bring the water industry into public ownership.
Police seek public help after £23k worth of goods stolen

Police have issued images of a suspected shoplifter they would like to identify following a spate of thefts from shops including Boots in Ilkley.
Ilkley MP says fireworks consultation must lead to action

Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has urged the Government to take decisive action on fireworks regulation after reports a national consultation on tougher laws is set to be launched.
Ilkley boxer plans comeback after life-changing reunion

Ilkley boxer Louis Brow, who has competed at top levels including in front of 10,000 spectators in Dublin, has announced a planned international comeback after a life-changing reunion in Thailand reignited his passion for the sport.
Upcoming 'not to miss' author events at The Grove Bookshop

The Grove Bookshop has announced three author events in the coming weeks.
The moving 'Stabat Mater' Friday lunchtime at St Margaret's

A deeply moving performance of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater will take place at St Margaret’s Church in Ilkley on Friday [10 April] at 12.30pm, as part of the church’s monthly lunchtime recital series.