October is normally a quiet month in the October calendar as people transition following the summer and start to get ready for the holiday ramp up that starts in November, but not this year. In fact, October has shaped up so well from the point of view of things to do that we’re declaring it the start of Awesome Autumn.

As the leaves turn brown and the clocks get ready to fall back, thoughts turn to wrapped up walks on the Chevin and by the River Wharfe but also to the wonderful wildlife that lives here. The first wildlife friendly town in the UK, Otley is also the first town to have its own wildlife festival, and the third edition of the Otley Wildlife Arts Festival is bigger and better than ever.

Held over the weekend of Friday, Saturday and Sunday 6-8th October, events include appearances by wildlife TV presenter and leading entomologist Dr George McGavin, and award-winning best-selling nature writer Amy-Jane Beer are two top names at this year’s festival, which also features events such as Making Sound Tracks, a special music making day for young adults 11-18 with Richard Sabey of the Woolpack Studios.

We also have two nationally recognised comedians coming to town this month. On Friday October 13th, Stephen K Amos returns to the Courthouse with a brand-new show after treading the boards of London’s West End in the smash hit musical My Fair Lady, playing the iconic role of Alfred P. Doolittle. A week later on Friday October 20th Sam Avery brings his hilarious show for stressed-out mums and dads, How Not To Be A Terrible Parent, also to the Courthouse.

There’s a load of stuff happening on the music scene too… Tapas & Tunes is hosting a new Autumn Jazz and Dining event on the first Sunday of every month, with Sunday October 1st titled Blue Note – The New York Scene Standards. There’s also the return of music to Bloomfield Square when Jimmy Islip joins one of his American buddies Jeff Dean from Chicago for a mixture of punk, folk and country. That’s on Sunday October 8th. Then on Saturday October 28th,  Spookulele – the Halloween spectacular featuring the Otley Ukulele Orchestra is back at Otley Rugby Club. Tickets include live music, vegetarian food and a disco, as well as prizes for best dressed.

Those looking to remember a loved one this month may want to take part in the Starlight Hike which is being held at Prince Henry’s in support of Sue Ryder. Get together with family and friends and walk 5k or 10k under the stars to remember someone special, and raise funds to help compassionate care and support at the end of life or following bereavement.

Finally, it’s Farmers’ Market in Market Place and the Craft Fair at the Courthouse on October 29th, the last Sunday of the month. Pop down from 9am to support local producers and artisans.

For more ideas of what’s on this month in Otley, see our events calendar here