Ilkley will once again this weekend be rolling out the red carpet to welcome visitors – for two distinctly different reasons – but both with the same aim.

Saturday will see the third annual Summer Showcase, at the Kings Hall staged by the Ilkley Business Forum.

Showcase is the correct description – for it is just that.

Visitors to the town and residents alike should call in and see just what is happening in the area, aim to shop locally, and deal with local businesses.

A special programme will be handed out, which will double-up as a tourist guide afterwards.

In a nod to the world-famous song Ilkley Moor Baht’at everyone is invited to show up sporting their best ‘titfer’.

The efforts of the IBF to fight the economic downturn have been praised by the region’s tourism leaders and rightly so.

When you are out and about pop in and see for yourself and give local businesses a boost.

The following day around 1,000 cyclists are expected to descend on the town when the Ilkley Cycling Club stage a premier sportive – The White Rose Classic.

The event is more than just about the cycling challenge.

There will be family-orientated entertainment at the Ilkley Rugby Club base of the event.

The Sue Ryder Care Charity will receive ten per cent of the proceeds. It is another great feather in the hat of Ilkley By not hiding any lights under a bushel and continuing to drive such initiatives forward, hopefully the town will reap substantial benefits.