The Ilkley Concert Club has a rich history dating back to 1942 when Cyril Smith gave the first of 31 concerts held between 1942 and 1946, featuring an impressive array of artists. These concerts led to the official formation of the Ilkley Concert Club at an open meeting at the Ilkley Playhouse on April 8, 1946. The first official concert was given by Denis Matthews on August 28, 1946, marking the beginning of the club's enduring legacy.
Today, the club remains vibrant and welcoming, with 5-10% newcomers joining as season ticket holders each year. The club is steadily rebuilding its audience post-pandemic. There is also a tradition of ticket sharing, with members offering their tickets for individual concerts if they cannot attend, so seats are often available even for non-subscribers. The Ilkley Concert Club continues to nurture a passion for music in the community.
