The Ilkley Food & Drink Festival, held on a scorching weekend with temperatures soaring to 28 degrees, set the stage for an unforgettable celebration of culinary delights, live music, and captivating performances.
Against the picturesque backdrop of the riverside thousands of attendees flocked from across the north to the event.
One of the festival highlights was the electrifying performance by The Killaz UK, a Killers tribute band, which set the dancefloor ablaze.
Leeds Cookery School took centre stage as they hosted a packed-out Cookery Theatre, showcasing talented chefs who demonstrated their culinary expertise.
This year, the festival introduced brand new tasting sessions, providing an immersive opportunity for attendees to discover and savour a range of culinary delights. From artisanal charcuterie to craft beer, gin, and cheese, these sessions elevated the appreciation of fine flavours and expanded the gastronomic horizons of all who participated.
"The festival was a resounding success, with thousands joining us over the two days. The radiant sunshine added an extra sparkle to the beautiful setting we enjoyed. This year, we embraced even more diversity among our local food and drink traders and enhanced our entertainment offerings," said Michael Johnston, Festival Director.
Wacky roaming entertainers and captivating performing arts put smiles on the faces of festival-goers, adding an element of whimsy and delight to the overall experience.
Not only was the festival a feast for the senses, but it also proved to be a platform for supporting a vital cause. Over £3,000 was raised for the festival's charity partner, Bradford Mind, bringing the running total of funds raised for local mental health charities to an impressive £79,035.23.
Reflecting on the success of the festival, Nikki Orrell, Festival Manager, said: "A particular highlight was the performance from 'The Killaz UK', a Killers tribute band, which saw revellers running from across the site to join in with the dancing in the sunshine. It was a truly memorable moment that encapsulated the spirit of the festival."
Festival Director Michael Johnston, who grew up near Ilkley, added: "Having grown up near Ilkley, it feels great to bring this family-friendly festival to the area. The atmosphere was buzzing throughout the day, and we're thrilled to have created such a memorable experience for the community."
For those who missed out on this spectacular event, plans are in motion for the event to return again in 2024.
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