NINE new businesses are now working in the 150-year-old cottages of Ilkley Manor House. Together they make up the Castle Collective and they will be holding the first of their shared Open Doors days on Saturday, June 22 from 11am to 3pm.

Everyone is welcome to call in to see the work that is happening including: PR, photography, book illustrations, film making, art school, Ilkley Arts’ new Attic Space, a community draw, jewellery design and making, garden design, complementary therapies, flower essence making and testing and the office of local MP John Grogan.

There will be a plant stall, taster complementary therapy treatments, testing of flower essence products and lots of fun, hands-on activities, including colour work with our illustrator and hand stamping of copper tags with a jeweller.

Drinks and nibbles will be served in front of the Manor House. A free pint of beer may be claimed by each adult attending the Open Doors by taking a stamped flyer to the Flying Duck, whose micro brewery is offering this beer.

Neighbours Outside the Box café, are also supporting the event by offering cakes and goodies.

Doors will be open for visitors to wander round looking at the businesses and chatting with the people who now work there. Visitors will see the current use of the old cottages and absorb the positivity of this vibrant new centre of creative, start up and established business activities in Ilkley.