ILKLEY Beer Festival returned for its 15th anniversary on Friday evening with 600 people in the Kings Hall and Winter Gardens enjoying spending time with friends with the largest ever number of brewery bars.

Wharfedale Observer: Ilkley Beer FestivalIlkley Beer Festival

“As we enter our 15th year, I am delighted to see that Ilkley’s passion for beer and giving back to the community is stronger than ever” said Guy Weston, Chairman of the Ilkley and District Round Table who organise the event. “The beer festival is sold out again this year and it’s been great to see so many people having fun at the event. We raised over £45,000 last year for local good causes and with everyone’s support we hope to do the same this year.”

Wharfedale Observer: Ilkley Beer FestivalIlkley Beer Festival

The festival is run over four sessions with a sponsor’s session on Friday afternoon followed by three public sessions on Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and Saturday Evening.

“There are over 120 beers to choose from this year with the majority of these being from northern breweries. It’s not just beer though, we have wine, gin and non-alcoholic choices available as well as live music at every public session so that everyone can enjoy the event,” added Guy.

Wharfedale Observer: Ilkley Beer FestivalIlkley Beer Festival

From the smiles on the faces of festival-goers and organisers, it looks like another successful year for the festival and Guy is already starting to think about the next big Round Table event in Ilkley. “Once everyone has enjoyed the festival, I hope that anyone looking to achieve their fitness goals for 2023 looks no further than the Ilkley Half Marathon that takes place on 16 July this year,” add Guy.

The sell-out beer festival will see 2,400 people attend and all profits from the event are distributed to local good causes by the Ilkley and District Round Table.

Wharfedale Observer: Ilkley Beer FestivalIlkley Beer Festival

If you are aware of a local cause that you would like to be considered for funding, please get in touch with the Ilkley Round Table by emailing communityservice@ilkleyroundtable.org.uk to obtain an application form.

Wharfedale Observer: Ilkley Beer FestivalIlkley Beer Festival