CULTURAL venues across Wharfedale are being hard hit by the new Tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions which came into force on Wednesday.

Ilkley Playhouse is dealing with an ever-growing pile of dashed plans. So far, Ilkley Players have planned for a September re-opening, followed by a November re-opening. Programmes have been planned, scheduled, paused, postponed, cancelled and rescheduled again and again with each change of policy.

This month Players had planned to present three Sunday afternoon performances of Christmas readings and poetry in the yard of the Manor House and stage promenade performance of a modern take on a nativity play, each event adhering closely to the Covid guidelines at the time. Now it seems that these too will be cancelled unless there is some regional changes to Tier three.

A spokesperson for Ilkley Playhouse said: “Whatever the new rules are over the coming weeks and months, the playhouse audience can be assured that there will be something ready to enjoy as soon as it is allowed.”

Otley Courthouse has announced that it will remain closed throughout December. A spokesperson said: “It is with great regret that Otley Courthouse has decided that it has no option but to remain closed throughout December 2020. As you will have seen from our website, we had a great programme of films, music and comedy lined up for the run up to Christmas - but these events will have to be rescheduled.

“It is the responsibility of the Courthouse’s Board of Trustees to do all that we can to ensure that the Courthouse is ready to bounce back once the pandemic is over.

“Everyone at the Courthouse is really unhappy that we have had to make this decision and are fully aware that it will come as a great disappointment to Courthouse users.

“The building will be closed to the public, and inquiries should be made by email only: admin@otleycourthouse.org.uk