It’s History & Heritage month this September in your favourite Yorkshire market town of Otley thanks to a host of brilliant events coming your way. Before that though, you may want to watch the latest Visit Otley promo film Make It A Day For History & Heritage, starring Blue Badge tour guide Tim Barber of Real Yorkshire Tours.
As part of the national Heritage Open Days on Saturday September 9, Otley Parish Church – the oldest building in Otley and Grade 1 listed – will be open with special displays, including Anglian cross pieces from the 8th century onwards and tours of the building at 11am and 2pm. Meanwhile, over at the Courthouse there are hourly guided tours from 10am to 3pm, as well as Otley Courthouse-associated crime fiction, including creative writing, theatre, comedy, storytelling and film.
Sunday September 10 sees the return of a much-loved favourite, the Otley Vintage Transport Extravaganza. This longstanding fun event features vintage cars, fairground organs, motorcycles, military vehicles, heavy & light commercials, tractors, steam engines, trade stands, car boot sale, displays, brass bands, children’s amusements, Punch & Judy Show, City of Leeds Pipe Band, terrier racing and more.
A week later from September 15-17 there’s a blend of history, music and more thanks to the Otley Folk Festival. Featuring acts such as Granny’s Attic, gigs will take place in a number of venues around town with free busking in Kirkgate Arcade on the Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday is also the day of this year’s Otley Open Town Crier Competition. Cancelled last year following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, this year’s event will see Otley Bellman Terry Ford take on other criers from around the country from 11.15am to 4pm in Market Place.
The folk festival will feature a host of Morris Dancing displays and anyone feeling twinkle toed after seeing them perform can take part in an open practice with the Wharfedale Wayzgoose Border Morris team at 8pm on Tuesday September 19. Held at the Chippendale Centre on Crossgate, no experience is necessary to go along and join in!
And there’s more!
It’s not all about History & Heritage this month… from September 1 to 3 there’s a beer festival at the Black Horse, while The Rookery is hosting two back-to-school movies on Sunday September 3. Moana Sing-Along (PG) is at 12.30, followed by Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3 (12A) at 4pm. This month’s Farmers’ Market in Market Place and Craft Fair at the Courthouse are fairly early this month. They’ll be on from 9am on Sunday, September 24.
For all these and other great events in Otley this month, please see our events calendar.