Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID) is celebrating after being announced as a Finalist in the prestigious National BID Awards 2026, which recognise excellence and best practice among Business Improvement Districts across the UK.
The National BID Awards celebrate the vital role BIDs play in creating thriving high streets, generating job opportunities and bringing communities together. The awards highlight outstanding achievements, from inspiring place making initiatives to strong partnership working and high-impact community projects.
Ilkley BID has been shortlisted in the Community Project category for its Yorkshire Day Weekend, which took place from 1–3 August 2025, and is competing against five other BIDs from across the country.
The Yorkshire Day Weekend was the result of 12 months of planning and collaboration, bringing together culture, music, food and drink, and Yorkshire community spirit in a packed programme of activity across the town. Ilkley BID led the project team, working in partnership with Ilkley Town Council, Bradford District Metropolitan Council, Real Markets, Ilkley Carnival, and Ilkley Live, while also engaging with a wide range of other community groups.
Local businesses were actively encouraged to take part through sponsorship opportunities, volunteering over the weekend, and making the most of increased footfall by introducing pop-up enhancements, outdoor seating, takeaway food and drink options, and showcasing Yorkshire-made products.
Extensive consultation took place with BID members throughout the planning process, ensuring businesses were fully informed and able to benefit from the event. To further improve accessibility, Ilkley BID negotiated with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to secure reduced-price rail tickets along the Bradford–Ilkley route for the duration of the weekend, encouraging visitors from outside the town to attend.
The project also focused on inclusivity, with local care and residential homes invited to bring residents along to enjoy live music performances using seating provided on both the Saturday and Sunday.
Funding for the Yorkshire Day Weekend was secured through contributions from Ilkley Town Council, Ilkley BID, and commercial sponsorship arranged by the BID. The event achieved significant media exposure, with national television coverage from ITV’s This Morning and GB News, both broadcasting live from Ilkley on 1 August, alongside interviews with local businesses. Radio coverage was also provided by BBC Radio Leeds and Your Ilkley Radio.
Ilkley BID Manager, Sarah Brookfield-Almond, said:
“Our small Ilkley BID team is skilled at working collaboratively and delivering high-impact projects in creative and cost-effective ways. We have a reputation for punching above our weight, and we’re proud of how successfully we promote our fantastic town far and wide.
“We’re really excited to be shortlisted for a National BID Award. We’re up against some tough competition, but we’re looking forward to celebrating with BIDs from across the country and hoping to bring the trophy back to Ilkley. The Yorkshire Day Weekend was a brilliant example of organisations, partners, businesses and residents coming together for the good of the town.”
The National BID Awards ceremony will take place on 9 February 2026 at the Leonardo Royal London City Hotel.
ITV News reporting live from Ilkley – Stephen Garnett Photography
Crowds on The Grove – Stephen Garnett Photography
GB News and Lishman’s of Ilkley
