Ilkeston is a town situated in the Borough of Erewash within Derbyshire, England. According to the 2021 census, the town has a population of 40,953. It is located along the River Erewash and sits between the cities of Derby and Nottingham, positioned near the M1 motorway.
The town forms part of the Nottingham Urban Area and is situated only two miles from the western edge of Nottingham. Historically, Ilkeston was defined by major industries including coal mining, iron working, and lace making or textiles, though these industries have now all but disappeared.