Former pupils from eight historic Ilkeston-area schools are being invited to reunite with old friends and share memories this summer as a series of free school reunion events return during Ilkeston Festival Week.
Organised by the Ilkeston Community Theatre and Festival team, the events will celebrate the history of local schools while giving former students the opportunity to meet up with classmates, share photographs and reminisce about their school days.
The reunions are aimed at former pupils who attended the schools before either 1977 or 1980, depending on the school.
All events are free to attend, but advance booking is required through the Ilkeston Community Theatre and Festival website.
Ilkeston Grammar School
Date: Monday 10 August 2026
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Venue: Ilkeston Library
A talk by Roger Mitchell on the history of Ilkeston Grammar School, followed by an opportunity for former pupils who attended before 1977 to share photographs, memories and stories.
Hallcroft School
Date: Tuesday 11 August 2026
Time: 10.30am – 12pm
Venue: Ilkeston Library
Former Hallcroft School pupils who attended before 1977 are invited to hear about the school’s history, bring along photographs and reconnect with old friends.
St John Houghton Catholic School
Date: Tuesday 11 August 2026
Time: 1pm – 2.30pm
Venue: Kirk Hallam Community Centre
Former pupils of St John Houghton Catholic School, formerly known as Blessed John Houghton, who attended before 1980 are invited to attend a special reunion event.
Cavendish Girls School
Date: Wednesday 12 August 2026
Time: 10.30am – 12pm
Venue: Ilkeston Library
Former pupils who attended Cavendish Girls School before 1977 can meet up with old friends, share photographs and reminisce about their school days.
Bennerley Secondary School
Date: Thursday 13 August 2026
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Venue: Cotmanhay and Ilkeston Adult Community Education Centre
Former Bennerley Secondary School pupils who attended before 1980 are invited to bring along photographs and memories from their time at the school.
Kirk Hallam Comprehensive School
Date: Thursday 13 August 2026
Time: 1pm – 2.30pm
Venue: Kirk Hallam Community Centre
Former pupils of Kirk Hallam Comprehensive School who attended before 1980 are invited to attend a special reunion event.
Gladstone Boys’ School
Date: Friday 14 August 2026
Time: 10.30am – 12pm
Venue: Ilkeston Library
Former pupils who attended Gladstone Boys’ School before 1977 are invited to share memories, photographs and stories from their school days and reconnect with former classmates.
Michael House School
Date: Friday 14 August 2026
Time: 12pm – 2.30pm
Venue: Weleda UK, Heanor Road, Ilkeston
Former pupils of Michael House School who attended before 1977 are invited to a special reunion event at Weleda UK. Attendees will have the opportunity to share photographs, discuss memories of school life and reconnect with friends from their time at the school.
A Chance To Step Back In Time
For many former pupils, these events will provide a rare opportunity to reconnect with classmates they may not have seen for decades.
Organisers are encouraging attendees to bring along old photographs, school memorabilia and memories to share, helping preserve the stories of some of Ilkeston’s best-known schools for future generations.
Anyone wishing to attend should book their free ticket in advance through the Ilkeston Community Theatre and Festival website, as places are limited.
One Comment
I didn’t know about this until after the event.
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