As we approach the end of November, the 2024 Ilkley Arts Festival is in full swing. Created some 40 years ago by Keith Hartley, well known in the town for his support for the arts, the Festival showcases all that is best in Ilkley over two months each year.

A highlight this year was the piano showcase put on by the Wharfedale Festival of Performing Arts, which brought some amazing talents to a full house at Christchurch on November 13th. A moving recital by Ukrainian pianist Daria Golovchenko was a heart-warming addition to the evening.

There is much more in store between now and the end of December. A notable date for your diary is Thursday, December 5th, when the Ilkley Singers are giving a concert of carols in English and French at 7.30pm, as a fund-raiser for the Twinning Association. The concert will be live-streamed from All Saints Church to our friends in Coutances – a unique occasion, when it would be wonderful to have a full house. On Saturday, December 14th, the Ilkley and Otley Choral Societies will be performing The Messiah at 5.30pm in Saint Margaret’s Church. As well as being the Festival event chosen as a memorial to Keith Hartley, this will be the 75th anniversary of the Ilkley Choral Society and the farewell concert of its outgoing chairman, Adrian Heeley.

All events are listed on the website, ilkleyartsfestival.org.uk and leaflets are available in Booths, Ilkley Library, Grove Books and other outlets around the town. If you already have a leaflet, please note that the Two Rivers Winter Concert at the Baptist Church is on Sunday, December 8, not the 15th.