Your Ilkley Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Galantis & David Guetta

Lighter

Listen Live Podcasts

Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival cancelled

Friday, 4 July 2025 13:21

The Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival has been cancelled.

The Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival that was due to be held in Skipton later this month has been cancelled.

Following a number of high-profile drop-outs, including James Martin and Rosemary Shrager, the event has been officially cancelled.

Jon Arrowsmith, Managing Director of organisers Cocker Hoop Creative, said that he is "heartbroken" and that they simply "ran out of time" to make the event work at Aireville Park.

The three-day festival was due to take place from July 18th to July 20th.

Jon said:

"It is with a heavy heart that I must admit defeat and share the news that the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival will not go ahead this year.

"This is not a decision I have taken lightly. We have worked tirelessly over the last year to stage a festival that Yorkshire could be proud of, but there were too many challenges that we did not foresee at the start of this journey and too little time to fix them.

"Last year, we stepped in to save the festival from administration, driven by a promise to make things right for traders and ticket holders who had been let down. Since then, we’ve poured our heart and soul into rebuilding and reimagining the event."

He continued:

"We offered 200 traders a free pitch. We lined up thousands of free masterclasses. We invited amazing chefs and music acts to join us. Every part of it was crafted with love, hope, and a deep belief in what this festival could be, but it wasn’t enough.

"When we lost our original location, the clock started ticking, and even with the best will in the world, we simply ran out of time to make it work at Aireville Park.

"I’m completely heartbroken and desperately sorry for letting everyone down. I know how much this festival means to the community, to the traders, to the ticket holders, and to my team who have given it everything.

"I am so so sorry that we couldn’t make it happen. We truly tried our best, but in the end, it wasn’t enough."

Organsiers said in a post on social media that to reclaim ticket money, customers should - in the first instance - contact their bank or credit card company used to make the purchase.

More from Local news

Doggy Days set to return to Ilkley Lido

Hundreds of dogs are expected to make a splash at Ilkley Lido when its popular Doggy Days return next month.
Foley Films returns to Ilkley with new autumn programme

A popular community cinema programme is returning to Ilkley following a summer break.
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.