Spectacle could return to Ikley Summer Festival (From Wharfedale Observer)

Spectacle could return to Ikley Summer Festival

9:00am Wednesday 16th January 2013 in Local news

A popular son et lumiere spectacle could return to Ilkley Summer Festival this August as new lights go up in Mill Ghyll.

The event in the narrow strip of leafy parkland running between Wells Walk and Wells Promenade – including live performances after dark – attracted crowds during past summer festivals.

But the show was dropped from more recent festivals.

Festival director and founder Councillor Anne Hawkesworth told Ilkley Parish Council this week the son et lumiere was planned as the focus of one of five weekends of events this summer.

Other themes include Yorkshire Day, the Continental Street Market, Dolce Vita open air cabaret, and the festival finale.

Coun Hawkesworth said new lights for Mill Ghyll, being funded by ward councillors, would contribute to the son et lumiere.

But she said the festival would need to seek private sponsor-ship – and new people were needed to join the directors in future.

“I do not still intend to be here in nine years’ time for the 20th festival,” said Coun Hawkesworth.

“There’s only so much enthusiasm and imagination one person can actually give, I’m getting a little bit drained with it.”

Ilkley Parish Council has yet to decide if it will stage its Last Night of the Proms again as part of the festival.

Organiser Councillor Mike Gibbons has asked if the council will make the decision shortly.