AS part of Ilkley Arts’ response to the Covid-19 pandemic the charity has been reflecting on how it can bring some creative joy and fun to the town this October.

They had originally planned to hold a new event called the Castle Yard Arts Festival. It was to be held in and around the Manor House, its courtyard and the Ilkley Arts Studio but the restrictions which are now in place have meant that 2020 is not the year to launch this new venture.

It is hoped Ilkley Arts will be able to make it happen but in 2021.

Sarah Thomas, Chair of Ilkley Arts said: “We do however want to hold a creative event for the town in 2020 and so we are moving the Castle Yard Arts Festival online.

“This is our first venture into orchestrating an online festival and we are looking forward to trying new things and working in a different way with artists and the community.

“The Castle Yard Arts Festival site will also have a new online shop so you can purchase any of the works online.

“You will be able to explore the artwork from artists shown in their own homes and studios, see demonstrations of artists at work and chat to them online.

“It will also be possible to see the artworks in a curated setting in the Manor House - again online - though if regulations permit we will try to do some real world experiences too.

“On the Sunday afternoon there will be a live panel discussion on the future cultural landscape in Ilkley – so a session not to miss.

“This will be a different experience from the normal Ilkley Art Trail but we hope it will bring some new audiences to Ilkley Arts and offer the opportunity for individual artists to showcase and talking about their work in an informal and engaging way.”

The Castle Yard Arts Festival will run on October 10 and 11.

More information will be available shortly on the Ilkley Arts website – www.ilkleyarts.org