With the days getting shorter, the chance for fun gets longer here in Otley – and for September we have another packed month of great events in store, including the fabulous Heritage Open Days that offer the chance to explore historic buildings, the 33rd edition of the Otley Folk Festival and, of course, our regular Farmers’ Market. Want to know more? Read on…
Fabulous coming-of-age comedy-drama
The Movie Matinee at the Courthouse on Thursday September 5th is Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. Starring Kathy Bates and Abby Ryder Fortson, this 2023 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film is written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and based on Judy Blume’s 1970 novel of the same name.
Heritage Open Days
There are a number of Heritage Open days over two Saturdays this month (September 7th and 14th). Tours and talks are available at venues such as the Bridge Church, Parish Church, the Lido, and the Courthouse – get to know the history of the town by joining one of them.
Dance your way to fitness
Fancy a boogie, while keeping fit and learning new skills? There are new Zumba Gold classes with Wendy starting upstairs at Tapas N Tunes from Thursday September 12th at 11am each week. The 45-minute class costs £6.
Wicked little comedy
There are two showings this month at Otley Courthouse for the brilliant comedy Wicked Little Letters. Starring Jessie Buckley, Olivia Colman, Anjana Vasan and Lolly Adefope, one of them is in the evening of Thursday, September 12th, the other is a matinee on Wednesday, September 18th.
Cash-in on this tribute act
Brilliant Johnny Cash tribute Keep it Cash are at the Courthouse on Saturday, September 14th. The band is a labour of love and a product of many years of hard work and dedication – the longest Johnny Cash tribute in the country!
Wine & tapas pairing session
Join David Lawson from Chez Vin at Tapas & Tunes on Wednesday, September 18th for a Spanish Wine & Tapas Pairing Adventure that embarks on a viticultural journey from Central Spain to Jerez. Sample different wines alongside five tapas dishes, price £42.
Folk Festival’s 33rd appearance
Friday September 20th sees the start of the 33rd Otley Folk Festival at various venues around town. Acts include Sean Lakeman & Kathryn Roberts, Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, Jez Lowe, Alex Hart and much, much more.
Sakamoto’s last act
Before legendary Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away in 2023, he mustered the strength to have his final piano performance filmed and turned into the movie Opus. This tender performance by an all-time great is being shown at the Courthouse on Sunday, September 22nd at 3pm.
Farmers’ Market and Crafts Fair
Sunday, September 29th, is the last of the month so it’s both the Farmers’ Market in Market Place and the Craft Fair at the Courthouse. The former starts at 9am, the latter at 10am – both finish by 1pm and offer a great chance to pick up some goods by local producers and artisans.
See See https://www.visitotley.co.uk/whats-on/calendar/ for more details on these and other events in Otley