As we head into the summer holidays in July, there’s still lots to do in Otley this month.
The return of Otley Live
From July 1st, there’s the prelude to this year’s three-day Otley Live music and arts festival with free taster sessions in singing, dance, crafts and more at Otley Courthouse. Then from Friday, it’s time for the action with live stages around the town offering free music and various venues including Tapas & Tunes, The Rookery, The Courthouse and more! The festival highlights are many, but two we’re looking forward to Harriet Dyer and The Halls of Ridiculous who will be performing comedy at The Rookery on Saturday July 6th and local faves Summercross who’ll be appearing on the Woolpack Studios outdoor stage on Sunday.
State of the independents
The weekend of July 6th and 7th is not just about music either. Independents Day UK is a time to celebrate the UK’s independent retailers, both online and offline. We’ve got our fair share of them here in Otley, so why not show some love by putting up some posts about your favourite indie businesses across town and use the hashtag #ukindieday to help them celebrate. Remember, our businesses are right at the heart of our community and part what makes Otley so special so please take this opportunity to thank them for their efforts.
Woolpack double-header
The team from the Woolpack – that’s Richard Sabey and Jennifer Pugh – who do so well in organising Otley Live will also be putting together a double header at Otley Courthouse on Thursday July 11th. The Woolpack Studios Choir sing original arrangements by Jen and Richard in three and four part harmony. Otley Rock Orchestra perform Richard’s arrangements of classic rock anthems by the likes of Led Zeppelin and the Moody Blues.
Double UpCo bill
Saturday July 13th will see another double header, this time at UpCo on Courthouse Street which will host an evening of music with eclectic agit prop freak entertainer Danbert Nobacon (Chumbawamba) and feisty broadside balladeer featured on ‘The Gallows Pole’ Jennifer Reid.
Present and correct!
The multi award-winning production of Noël Coward’s provocative comedy Present Laughter featuring Andrew Scott (Vanya, Fleabag) returns to the big screen at the Courthouse on Thursday, July 18th.
Filmed live from The Old Vic in London during a sold out run in 2019, Matthew Warchus (Matilda The Musical) directs this giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness.
Rock (and folk) royalty hits town
As the daughter of folk legends Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson, Eliza Carthy grew up immersed in the world of traditional music and from an early age was championed by John Peel, Andy Kershaw and Billy Bragg. Dubbed the queen of English folk, she is appearing at Otley Courthouse on Saturday July 27th – a fitting end to a great month of entertainment in Otley.
Farmer’s Market this Month
The last Sunday of the month in July is the 28th which means it’s not only Farmer’s Market in Market Place but also the Craft Market at the Courthouse. The former starts at 9am with the latter an hour later. Both finish by 1pm.