As we move fully into Autumn, there’s more to do than ever here in Otley. Here’s a list of some choice events coming your way!
Otley Wildlife Arts Festival
For the 4th year running Otley will host the exciting and ever-growing Wildlife Arts Festival from Friday 25th – Sunday 27th October.
As always, the core of the festival is the free exhibition of wildlife art and photography at Otley Courthouse from 10am until 4pm on the Saturday, plus a variety of stalls by local wildlife organisations. The festival showcases local talent whilst engaging people with the wonderful world of wildlife.
Each year the festival has grown in both scope and size, with the organisers, local charity Wildlife Friendly Otley, really pushing the boundaries on what they can achieve to make it truly memorable.
The organisers are very excited about the two ticketed events on Friday and Saturday night. Friday brings award-winning author, journalist, and TV presenter Kate Bradbury to the Courthouse with an entertaining talk on how to create habitats for wildlife in our own gardens.
On Saturday the charity’s very own patron, George McGavin, is back by popular demand with a lively examination of the world of wildlife. George is the well known and loved television presenter, entomologist, and environmental campaigner. Booking for both evening events is now open at www.otleycourthouse.org.uk and costs £12 per ticket.
Halloween goings on
Fancy getting spooked? There’s a Halloween Spider Hunt throughout October in the Kirkgate Arcade. Head into the arcade, pick up a form, spot the spiders, get the chance to win prizes! Want to get truly spooked? The quite fabulous Otley Ghost Tour has weekend spooky walks around the town. See https://turnipfishtheatre.com/otley-ghost-tours to book.
Oh, what a night!
This Friday (October 4th) is Otley Ladies Night at the Rugby Club on Cross Green. Stalls, fashion shows, live music and more. Local boutique Rosie Flo’s is heavily involved. Head down for some fun.
Pre-US election talk
If you’re a fan of American politics head to the Courthouse on Thursday, October 10th. As the USA heads to the polls, join award-winning travel writer, public speaker, and filmmaker Simon Parker for a night of adventure, with a multimedia presentation of tall tales, short films, maps, photos, audio clips and book readings. In the build-up to this year’s election, Simon embarked upon a 4,327-mile cycling journey through 11 states, meeting hundreds of fascinating Americans along the way and this show gives a unique insight into what they’re thinking around the election and subjects beyond.
Top-class comedy
It’s a sold out show, so beg, steal or borrow a ticket if you can to see the fab Mark Steel as he warms up ahead of his brand-new UK tour at the Courthouse on Friday October 12th. It promises to be good stuff, so well worth it if you can find a ticket.
Big, bad, blues
The Revenant Bad Ass Blues Man brings an unlimited repertoire of blues classics to Live At The Woolpack Studios on Saturday October 12th). Expect everything from hard-rocking riffs to acoustic picking, with gravelly vocals to boot
Rookery hoses Britpop royalty
Dodgy’ lead singer Nigel Clark is on stage on Saturday October 12th at The Rookery with support from ‘Hidden Caves’ Andy Aitchison. It’s been 7 years since his last visit and this is a night not to be missed.
Magical musicals
Fan of musicals? You’ll love Cinema Live Musicals: My Favourite Things on Sunday October 13th at Otley Courthouse. Featuring a 40-piece orchestra and international stars of the stage and screen, this special anniversary concert was filmed at London’s newly restored Theatre Royal Drury Lane – the same venue that premiered the original West End productions of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific and The King and I.
This month’s farmers’ market
This month’s Farmers’ Market in Market Place and the Craft Fair at the Courthouse takes place on Sunday Ocotber 27th. The former starts at 9am, the latter at 10am – both finish by 1pm. Head down to get some local produce or lovely artisan designs and trinkets.