For events, news and things to do in  Ilkley, visit our tourism site: DISCOVER ILKLEY

Ilkley BID wins silver at the National BID Awards 2026

Feb 10, 2026

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news with our local business community and residents: Ilkley BID has officially been awarded the Silver Award in the Community Project category at the National BID Awards!

The ceremony took place on Monday, 9th February, at the Leonardo Royal London City Hotel. It was an inspiring event celebrating the hard work BIDs do across the UK to revitalise high streets and strengthen local economies. Standing alongside major cities like Liverpool and Newcastle, our town’s efforts truly shone on the national stage.

Celebrating the Yorkshire Day Weekend

Our Silver win recognises the Yorkshire Day Weekend, which transformed our town from 1–3 August 2025.

This wasn’t just a weekend of activities; it was the result of a full year of meticulous planning and a massive collaborative effort. We worked hand-in-hand with Ilkley Town Council, Pinnacle Design, Bradford Council, Real Markets, Ilkley Carnival, Ilkley Live, and countless other community groups to create a celebration of culture, music, and food that showcased the very best of Ilkley.
A Word from Our BID Manager

Sarah Brookfield-Almond, Ilkley BID Manager, attended the ceremony and shared her pride in the achievement:

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our small but passionate team. The Yorkshire Day Weekend was an overwhelming success that people are still talking about today. It perfectly demonstrates what can be achieved when businesses, residents, and local organisations come together to create something truly special.”

Why This Matters for Ilkley

The National BID Awards Director, Damian Cummins, noted that Ilkley stood out specifically for our collaborative, community-focused approach.

Winning this award isn’t just about a trophy for the shelf; it’s a stamp of approval for the work we are doing to make Ilkley a thriving place to live, work, and visit. It reinforces our commitment to delivering projects that bring footfall to our businesses and pride to our streets.

A huge thank you to all the businesses and partners who helped make the Yorkshire Day Weekend an award-winning success!