A date with the Bellman for your diary
We’re kicking off this June’s update with an event that took place in May but is a timely reminder of another great happening in the Otley Calendar later this year. On May 25th, Otley Bellman Terry Ford picked up the main prize at the Loyal Company of Town Criers British Championships. Held in the beautiful resort of Cromer in Norfolk, Terry took on stiff competition and stiff winds in excess of 30mph to come out on top. Want to see Otley (and Britain’s) finest in full flow? Make sure to mark September 21st in your diary when the Otley Open Town Crier competition comes to our town alongside the Otley Folk Festival.
From classical to dance
There’s a special performance at Otley Courthouse on Thursday June 5th when Alasdair Fraser, “the Michael Jordan of Scottish fiddling”, and brilliant Californian cellist Natalie Haas take to the stage. The pair’s shows span the full spectrum between intimate chamber music and ecstatic dance energy and have been creating a buzz at festivals and concert halls across the world for the last 20 years. Don’t miss them!
Otley Music Festival returns
June sees the latest edition of one of our most popular events, the Otley Music Festival. The community festival where all proceeds go to charity starts on Friday June 6th with a gig headlined by the brilliant Hannah Scott before 10 days of music commence. Things come to a close on June 15th.
Time to go green?
The first weekend of the month is packed with things to do, including the chance to join in on the nationwide Big Green Week at the Otley Green Fair on Saturday June 7th. Held at Otley Courthouse, there are free events during the day followed by a screening and talks at night. There will be stalls with information about sustainable lifestyles and how to get involved in promoting the well-being of the planet. Local craftspeople will also be selling hand-made goods.
Let off some steam, punk
Arcadia, Otley’s fourth annual steampunk event, will be held across the Kirkgate Arcade and Whitakers Arms pub, also on Saturday June 7th. It will feature a steampunk market, live ents, competitions and teapot racing. For those not in the know, steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that blends Victorian-era aesthetics with anachronistic, often fantastical, technology powered by steam.
Summer’s well and truly here
Otley Carnival takes place on Saturday June 21st with a summer street parade followed by a Carnival Field with something on offer for everyone. The event starts with a parade setting off at 12.30pm from Leeds Road and comprises numerous colourful floats, walking groups, various bands and a variety of vehicles. The Parade wends its way through the town centre and finishes on the Otley Show Field at Bridge End, where entry to the field is free!
Chevin shuttle bus launches
Otley Town Council and Otley 2030, are pleased to announce the Otley Chevin Minibus project, running for six Sundays from June 22nd to July 27th. This trial service will provide a free hourly minibus from the coach bays next to the Licks car park to the Surprise View car park at the top of the Chevin.
This service is perfect for those who want to avoid the steep climb but still want to enjoy the stunning views. The project is staffed by dedicated volunteers, making it a community-driven initiative. To stay informed about the timetable and other details, please contact [email protected]
Flamenco at TNT
Flamenco and classical guitar sensation Mr Jacob Harrison will be wooing punters on Friday June 27th at Tapas & Tunes. There’s entry fee if you’re dining upstairs, and things kick off at 7pm.
Otley Walking Festival straps its boots on
Otley Walking Festival is back again from June 28th to July 6th and the programme’s looking great for 2025. With 40 + walks and events over the nine days, walks cater for all abilities – shorter town-based walks, meadows and field paths, strenuous moor land hikes, entertaining evening events, including old favourites and new themed walks.
Family Fun Cycling Day
All the fun you can have on two wheels and more at this year’s Otley Family Fun Cycling. Held in Garnetts Field from 10am to 2pm on Sunday June 29th, the free event by Otley Town Council will include short guided rides around town, the chance for adults to try e-biles, and a specially designed designed cyclocross grass course for children 3 to 12 years old. There’ll also be a free climbing wall and a craft tent.
Two markets and a craft fair
As ever we have two of our specialist farmers’ markets this month. Held from 9am to 1pm on Sunday June 8th and again on Sunday June 29th, both offer the chance to pick up some great products from local artisans. Meanwhile on the second of the two dates, there’s also the Otley Crafts Fair at Otley Courthouse. A great spot for gifts, it’s open from 10am-1pm.
For these and other great Otley events this month, please see https://www.visitotley.co.uk/whats-on/calendar/