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Two days of free music and family entertainment alongside Ilkley’s biggest Yorkshire market will celebrate Yorkshire Day 2026 in Ilkley.
The weekend of festivities on the 1st and 2nd August is being organised by three volunteers following the huge success of Yorkshire Day 2025 which saw Ilkley co-host the region’s official civic celebration with Bradford, attracting thousands of visitors and earning a national award.
Inspired by their involvement in last year’s success, volunteers Lucy Allen, Tom Harris and Colin Watson have now formed OIicana Events, a Community Interest Company (CIC), to continue the Yorkshire Day legacy in the town.
Colin, a key volunteer in delivering Ilkley Carnival and director of Pinnacle Graphic Design based on The Grove, said:
“Lucy, Tom and myself were all involved in supporting last year’s Yorkshire Day celebrations which were led by Ilkley BID and Ilkley Town Council. We were blown away by the response from local residents and visitors who turned out to enjoy the entertainment and by the celebratory atmosphere that was created.
“The weekend was a triumph of community collaboration which not only transformed our town into a family festival destination, boosting community spirit and the local economy, but also won Ilkley BID a national award for its success.
“With the power Ilkley has to draw in visitors from across the region and create something special for those who live and work here, we felt Yorkshire Day should become an annual event. By forming Olicana Events, we’re able to remain volunteers while having a structure to help us formalise and deliver on our plans.”
[Yorkshire Day volunteer and co-founder of Olicana Events, Colin Watson (right) and Pinnacle colleague Keith McCann at 2025 Yorkshire Day]
While volunteering remains at the heart of Yorkshire Day 2026, Olicana Events is self-funding and is relying heavily on sponsorship to deliver the two days of activities and entertainment. With some funds assigned by Ilkley Town Council to help cover the cost of a Yorkshire Day children’s entertainment area with face painting, circus skills and a magician, more income is needed to fund event essentials.
Colin added:
“We’re hoping businesses and organisations will recognise the value of being associated with such a positive event and support us through sponsorship to help cover the costs of areas including the stage, light and sound to security fencing and extra seating.”
The Grove will be closed for both days and the entertainment line-up has been co-ordinated by Ilkley Live, showcasing 30 acts on the main stage on Saturday 1st August with the bandstand in full swing with choirs and musicians throughout the weekend.
Further food, drink and shopping interest will be provided by more than 60 Yorkshire traders co-ordinated and curated by Lucy Allen of Real Markets on Saturday, followed by a further market on Sunday. Additional cultural family activities will be provided by the Manor House Museum across the weekend alongside the newly introduced children’s area at Canker Wells on The Grove.
Colin added:
“We want everyone to feel part of this fun, inclusive celebration of Yorkshire, which is why we are offering flexible sponsorship opportunities to suit businesses of all sizes – whether your focus is local visibility or wider regional reach, this is a meaningful way to support a much-loved community event.
“By getting involved either as a volunteer or as a local or a regional business, you’ll be helping secure the future of Yorkshire Day in Ilkley and be part of something that truly belongs to the community. Please get in touch to find out how you can support another fantastic weekend in Ilkley.”
For further information on Yorkshire Day 2026 visit www.olicanaevents.co.uk and for sponsorship or volunteering enquiries, contact Colin Watson on colin@pinnaclegd.co.uk or call 07885 200640.
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