Bandstand: Ilkley Bandstand 2000 Trust
25 Years JUBILEE Celebrations 16 July Christchurch on ThHe Grove [adjacent bandstand] 7pm Bradford Brass Band Concert full of favorite music.
Dreams start with an idea and twenty six years ago, the Rotary Club of Ilkley and Ilkley Wharfedale rotary club had an ambitious idea for a Millennium Project, namely a Bandstand to provide music and a performance space in the very heart of Ilkley on Abbeyfield private land by a long lease. With the support of other Ilkley voluntary organisations, the Bandstand and its complimentary seating area became a reality and was officially opened by Richard Whiteley in 2001. The architecture of the bandstand was quite traditional, to be sympathetic to its adjacent setting, namely the Grove and the Abbeyfield residential home the grove Hospital became.
However, programmes at the Bandstand have always included an eclectic mix from Big Bands to solo performers, from folk music to jazz, from youth choirs to seniors instrumental groups. The Bandstand area is also a proven sanctuary to enjoy music or simply to rest and appreciate the beautiful aesthetic.
End of Season report
A successful 2025 season with the
Bandstand's Trustees and Committee of hardworking volunteers, who produce The calendar of events for each weekend from April to October is organised, drawn up and , make the bandstand available for bands and always posted on the notice board at the edge of the Bandstand site and our Facebook page. Over 40 performers are contracted to perform each season to the ongoing delight of the public. The site itself requires year round maintenance with volunteers undertaking for example; gardening, leaf sweeping, litter collection, publicity, in addition to volunteers opening up and closing the bandstand premises for each performance. Professional skills are also needed throughout the year for example: cutting the central lawn, attending to the shrubbery, lighting and small building repairs.
The Bandstand does allow performers to collect for a recognised charity only, if they so wish. However, the Bandstand Committee does have to raise its own finance whilst not currently charging groups or individuals to play as part of the programme of summer music. One committee member heads up a sponsorship initiative which, despite the present tightening economic climate, is an important source of income to a structure and environment which is now 25 years old.
At the end of another successful season we look to celebrating 25 years of music at the Bandstand on The Grove in 2026 with a special celebrating event . We also look forward to the next 25 years, providing a musical phenomenon for visitors to the town but most importantly for Ilkley residents and all those who value this special green oasis on The Grove.
The Bandstand is located in the centre of Ilkley. It is on the southern side of The Grove which is a picturesque tree lined street of elegant shops and is directly opposite Betty's famous tearooms. The Bandstand is surrounded by well kept gardens with permanent seating for those wishing to enjoy the performance.
It is available for use by musical groups of all kinds or any other suitable organisations. For example, Macmillan and Marie Curie Fund Raising events or Scout Parades. For those wishing to use this popular venue, please contact Martin Smith 01943 602178 0r 07748 931942.
The Bandstand was conceived as a millenium project by the two Rotary Clubs of Ilkley and completed in 2001. The site was generously donated by the Ilkley Abbeyfield Society and both organisations, together with Ilkley Parish Council retain a keen interest as Trustees. An active management committee of volunteers run the bandstand and gardens on a day to day basis. They aim to provide appropriate entertainment for residents and visitors alike.
WE are to have a celbration event at Christchurch on The Grove on the 16 July evening ticket information shortly and on the bandstand a full day programme on the 18 July .
Rotary Club of Ilkley and Ilkley Wharfedale who had an ambitious idea for a Millennium Project, namely a Bandstand to provide music and a performance space in the very heart of Ilkley.
With the support of other Ilkley voluntary organisations and public donations, the Bandstand and its complimentary seating area became a reality and was officially opened by Richard Whiteley in 2001. The architecture of the bandstand was quite traditional, to be sympathetic to its adjacent setting, namely The Grove and the former Grove Convalescent Home, now Abbeyfield Residential Home who's private land it is but is run by the Bandstand Trusts 2000 charity [set up by the two Rotary clubs] who allow public access.
Bandstand Programme for 2026 is now on the Notice Board on the Bandstand site which we have always included an eclectic mix from Big Bands to solo performers, from folk music to Jazz, from youth choirs to seniors instrumental groups and is a proven sanctuary to enjoy music or simply to rest and appreciate the beautiful aesthetic. Supported by the Joy of Yorkshire ice cream. Over 40 performers are contracted to perform each season to the ongoing delight of the public.
We also look forward to the next 25 years, providing a musical phenomenon for visitors to the town but most importantly for Ilkley residents and all those who value this special green oasis on The Grove.
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Please be advised that no skating and cycling are alowed due to Health and Saftey of the public.