Ilkley Food Festival announce Abba, Bruce Springsteen and... banana jousting for 2026 event

Organisers of the Ilkley Food and Drink Festival have confirmed the full entertainment programme for their seventh annual celebration, returning to the town's picturesque riverside setting on the weekend of June 13 and 14.

This year's event promises an eclectic mix of local soloists, community groups, and high-energy tribute acts, alongside the unveiling of a brand-new, family-friendly interactive arena.

Brand-new for 2026 is the Sizzling Showdown Arena; free for all ticket holders, the space will host an eccentric schedule of family competitions and playful challenges.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can take part in the revamped Foodie Olympics, brave the fiery Chilli Challenge, or enter their beloved pets into the Family Dog Show.

In what is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, organisers have also unveiled plans for an 'Inflatable Banana Jousting Ring' right beside the arena, inviting competitive friends and families to face off in light-hearted inflatable duels.

Taking the same approach as the food on offer, the weekend’s musical programming serves up a diverse, crowd-pleasing mix.

Saturday's schedule kicks off with breezy covers from Will Forrester Smooth Saxophone and community tunes from the Hot Aire Concert Band. The afternoon will showcase up-and-coming vocalist Sienna Craven, classic rock ‘n’ roll from The Johnny Storm Band, and Samba-driven Brazilian funk courtesy of Tempo Feliz.

The evening will then culminate with a headline performance from Planet ABBA, one of the UK’s leading tribute acts, before Ibiza Sax Classics closes out the first day.

Sunday maintains the high energy, opening again with Will Forrester's vibrant saxophone covers, followed by solo blues artist Howlin’ Mat and charming acoustic sets from Scoble and Friends. As the afternoon progresses, the red-hot Leeds City Stompers and Celtic folk-rockers Gaelfroce will take to the stage.

Headlining the final evening are Yorkshire's own The Boss and The Beeston Street Band, delivering the ultimate Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band tribute, before a final set of Ibiza favourites brings the 2026 festival to a close.

Early Bird Tickets for the Ilkley Food and Drink Festival are available now, priced at £6.95 for adults and £4.95 for under-16s. Children under five go free - for more information or to buy tickets, visit the Ilkley Food and Drink Festival website .