The Ilkley Food & Drink Festival returned to the picturesque riverside location in Ilkley last weekend, drawing thousands of attendees from across the North of England for a weekend filled with delectable treats, scintillating live music, and an electric atmosphere.
Bathed in glorious sunshine with temperatures reaching a sizzling 28 degrees, festival-goers reveled in the warmth and enjoyed the stunning backdrop of The Cow and Calf Rocks.
The festival proved to be a resounding success, with one of the standout moments being the electrifying performance by The Killaz UK, a mesmerizing Killers tribute band. As the music kicked in, attendees couldn't resist the magnetic pull of the dancefloor, with people running from all corners of the festival site to join in the joyful celebration under the sun.
Leeds Cookery School hosted a bustling Cookery Theatre, where culinary enthusiasts gathered to witness captivating cookery demonstrations. With a packed-out schedule, attendees had the opportunity to learn from esteemed chefs and expand their culinary repertoire.
One of the festival's highlights was the introduction of brand new tasting sessions, offering an immersive experience for food connoisseurs. From artisanal charcuterie to tantalising gins, attendees savored the flavours and gained insights from passionate experts.
The festival's riverside location provided an idyllic setting, perfectly complemented by the warm and buzzing atmosphere. Thousands of festival-goers flocked to the event, creating a vibrant and lively ambiance throughout the weekend. Wacky roaming entertainers and mesmerizing performing arts acts brought smiles to the faces of attendees, adding an extra layer of joy to the festivities.
Beyond the culinary and entertainment delights, the festival also demonstrated its commitment to supporting local mental health charities. Over £6,000 was raised for the festival's charity partner, Bradford Mind, contributing to a running total of an impressive £81,847.23 raised for local mental health initiatives.
Festival Director, Michael Johnston, expressed his delight, stating, "It was a fantastic weekend, with thousands joining us over the two days. It's a beautiful setting, particularly in the sunshine. This year, we welcomed increased variety from local food and drink traders, as well as an expanded entertainment offering."
Nikki Orrell, Festival Manager, shared her excitement about the festival, saying, "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."
Michael Johnston further 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."
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