Supporting Local Businesses and Marketing the Town with Food & Drink Month
As part of our ongoing commitment to support BID businesses and promote our vibrant town, we are pleased to report on the success of the Food & Drink Month 2026 campaign. Running from 5th January to 5th February, this initiative was designed to showcase the diverse offerings of Ilkley’s hospitality sector, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore the exceptional cafés, bars, and restaurants that define our town as a premier culinary destination.
To maximise impact and drive footfall during this key period, the campaign utilised several strategic pillars:
Targeted Promotion & Digital Engagement: We implemented a comprehensive marketing strategy to ensure high visibility for participating businesses:
Dedicated Digital Hub: A bespoke landing page was developed on the Discover Ilkley website, highlighting special offers and exclusive menus available throughout the month.
Strategic Social Media: We maintained a consistent presence across all social channels, utilising engaging content and targeted messaging to promote local businesses and drive consumer interest.
Press Coverage: Through proactive engagement with local media outlets, we secured broad regional coverage, extending the reach of the campaign beyond our immediate community.
High-Impact Partnership: Yorkshire Food Guide
A primary highlight of this year’s campaign was our collaboration with the Yorkshire Food Guide. This partnership brought professional culinary influencers to Ilkley to showcase the unique quality of our local venues.
The results of this collaboration were exceptional; the featured social media reel has achieved over 112,000 views to date. This high-level exposure has kept Ilkley “top-of-mind” for visitors across the region, providing invaluable promotion for our hospitality members and the town as a whole.
Summary of Impact
By combining digital outreach with high-profile regional partnerships, Food & Drink Month 2026 successfully bolstered the local economy during a traditionally quieter month. We remain dedicated to providing these platforms for growth and ensuring Ilkley continues to thrive as a leading destination for food and drink.
