Kings Hall and Winter Gardens
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
The Kings Hall and Winter Garden is a venue duo that dominates event and performance spaces in Ilkley. The Hall is a traditional theatre which regularly hosts musical, spoken word, comedy and festival performances as well as providing a space for amateur productions which is a perfect mid- sized venue. The adjacent glass roofed Winter Garden is a totally unique space for events and drinks receptions.
The venue has been described to have all the amenities and multifunctional capability of a big theatre but the feel of an intimate and exclusive room. It allows you to see cult acts such as John Cooper Clark in a room where every word will feel as if it’s spoken directly to you. It hosts the main events for Ilkley’s Summer Festival and the well-known Literature Festival, turning the space into temporary hubs of culture.
Outside of festival season, the Hall welcomes in musical artists and tribute acts ranging from Marisha Wallace to Showaddywaddy, bringing the energy of a large venue to the seemingly quiet town. In contrast big names in comedy like Rich Hall, Gary Delaney and Sindhu Vee have brought their sell out shows to the intimate surrounds of the Kings Hall. Ilkley is a famously literature focused town, so it is only fitting that the hall also hosts a collection of poetry and books readings. See your favourite authors speaking the texts that made you fall in love with them through their own voice, and share that passion with a room full of like-minded enthusiasts.
Both the Kings Hall and Winter Gardens are very flexible spaces. If you’re looking to hire them for an event they can be reconfigured to fit galas, ceremonies, cabaret evenings and conferences. So whatever your needs are, even if they change throughout the event, Kings Hall and Winter Gardens can usually provide the ideal space.
Looking for more things to do in Ilkley? Read our guide.
