Ilkley is to bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture, building on its reputation as a place rich in creativity and the arts, those behind the proposal have said.
The winner of the national competition will be awarded £3m to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, with two runners-up receiving £250,000 each.
The spa town – which already hosts an annual literature festival – is planning to submit a proposal led by Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID) and supported by Ilkley Town Council.
Ilkley mayor, councillor Jane Gibson, said: “We have a great track record of coming together to deliver big projects, and there’s a real sense of pride and engagement in everything we do.”
