A local not-for-profit organisation is inviting former pupils and staff from Ilkeston’s senior schools to step back in time this August.
Ilkeston Community Theatre and Festival (ICTAF) has announced a series of school-themed events as part of its 2026 summer festival, running from 10 – 15 August.
Following the success of a 2025 festival talk on the history of Ilkeston Grammar School, organisers said it became clear that many local people were keen to see more photographs, share memories and reconnect with others from their schooldays.
In response, ICTAF is now organising dedicated sessions for former pupils and staff from a number of senior schools in Ilkeston and surrounding areas.
What’s planned?
Each event will begin with a talk about the school’s history, staff and former pupils, delivered by ex-members of staff or former students. There will also be exhibition boards featuring archive photographs and material from Ilkeston Library.
Organisers are encouraging people to search out old school photographs and memorabilia. Anyone with photographs from their school days is invited to send a scan or copy to IlkestonCommTheatreandFestival@gmail.com so they can be included in the relevant event display.
Confirmed Dates at Ilkeston Library
The following events are expected to take place during festival week:
- Monday 10 August – 11am
Ilkeston Grammar School – for pupils from any year before 1977. - Tuesday 11 August – Morning
Hallcroft School – for pupils from any year before 1977, before it became Cantelupe School. - Wednesday 12 August – Morning
Cavendish Girls’ School – for pupils from any year before 1977, before it became Cantelupe School. - Friday 14 August – Morning
Gladstone Boys’ School – for pupils from any year before 1977, before it became Cantelupe School.
Michael House School is also hoping to hold an event on Friday 14 August (venue to be confirmed).
More Schools May Follow
ICTAF is also hoping to organise events for former staff and pupils of:
- Bennerley School
- St John Houghton School
- Kirk Hallam Comprehensive
Organisers are currently looking for former staff or students willing to help coordinate these additional sessions.
Anyone interested in helping organise an event – or who can suggest suitable contacts – is asked to email IlkestonCommTheatreandFestival@gmail.com.
A Growing Festival
The August festival first launched in 2022 and has grown year on year, bringing a diverse programme of events to Ilkeston. The majority of events are free, with ticketed events kept deliberately affordable to ensure accessibility for all.
Further details about the full festival programme are expected to be released on the ICTAF website after Easter.