ILKLEY and District Round Table are celebrating following a record year for the Ilkley Beer Festival.

The event took place at the King’s Hall, Ilkley on February 9 and 10 and hopes were high that this would be the best event yet for charity fundraising. After a final count, Ilkley Round Table has announced that £47,462 has been raised for good causes. This is the highest total ever achieved in the event’s 11 year history.

Nick Winterbottom, event organiser for Ilkley Round Table, was delighted at the news. He said: “More than anything, we want to thank the volunteers for giving up their time to support the event and of course, those who attended the event for making it so memorable! We are delighted at the final total and can’t wait to beat it again next year.”

This result comes hot on the heels of other broken records. Ilkley Round Table also raised £2,873 during its week-long Santa Float run back December 2017, beating the previous record of £2,800 set in 2016.

The members of Ilkley Round Table have put the funds to good use, supporting a number of local causes throughout the year. Most recently Ilkley Round Table has supported the Living Lights Christian Outreach charity, based in Keighley, who focus on supporting those in financial hardship by providing such persons with food parcels, bedding, furniture and refuge.

Funds have also been donated to the Wharfedale Scouts Sailing Centre (WSSC) in order to purchase a new bell boat. The WSSC provide sailing and water activity sessions to hundreds of young people each year and the purchase of the bell boat will enable more children to learn essential skills on the water.

The group’s commitment to supporting groups and facilities focused on helping those with special needs continues with confirmation that funds have been donated to LS29 Special Needs Support Group for their annual trip to Center Parcs, providing valuable opportunity for their members to enjoy a break together in wonderful surroundings. Furthermore, the Beamsley Project has also received funding to install a self-cleaning toilet for the centre. The Beamsley Project provides accessible, self-catering accommodation for individuals or groups with disabilities. This installation will give residents freedom and independence whilst on site.

If you or your organisation would like to apply for funding, contact communityservice@ilkleyroundtable.org.uk