Following the success of last year’s event, Otley Music Festival returns for 2026 bigger than ever, with some exciting new additions to the programme. At its heart, the festival remains a celebration of Otley’s extraordinary musical talent. With around 60 acts taking part, organisers have once again expanded the festival across a 10-day period to showcase the wealth of local performers involved.
The festival is proud to run in association with Otley Parish Church and, in keeping with the church’s ethos, remains a community-based charity event. Organisers, volunteers and local musicians all give their time freely, helping to maximise the amount raised for good causes. Profits from the festival will be shared between Otley Parish Church’s Local to Global charity initiative, Otley Community Larder and Otley Food Bank. Following donations of more than £3,000 to charitable causes last year, organisers hope to surpass that figure in 2026.
Otley Parish Church has once again kindly agreed to host two showcase ticketed sessions on the evenings of Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6, both starting at 7pm, alongside a “pay as you feel” session on Saturday afternoon from 12 noon. Teas, coffees and cakes will be available during the Saturday afternoon event, while a licensed bar serving wine, soft drinks and locally brewed cask ales will operate throughout all church sessions.
For 2026, the festival is delighted to continue its partnership with The Black Horse as an additional main venue. The pub offers an excellent range of food and drink, alongside a large upstairs function room and covered stables, ensuring the festival programme can continue regardless of the weather. The entire first weekend of the festival, from June 6 to 8, along with the final full session on Sunday, June 15, will take place at The Black Horse.
Meanwhile, the festival’s regular Thursday open mic sessions will continue at The Horse & Farrier on Bridge Street. Weather permitting, these events will be held in the pub’s beer garden, providing a wonderful setting away from the bustle of traffic. Any donations and profits generated from these sessions will also contribute to the festival’s charitable fundraising efforts. The Horse & Farrier offers a well-stocked bar, including an excellent selection of real ales, alongside a highly regarded food menu.
New for 2026, the festival will also host a special session in partnership with the long-established Otley Folk Club. Taking place in The Black Horse stables on the afternoon of Sunday, June 7, the event will showcase a number of performers who regularly support the club’s weekly Wednesday evening sessions.
The organisers would like to extend their sincere thanks to all festival sponsors, to Mags Elliott – Art & Illustration for creating the festival’s distinctive logo, and to Otley Parish Church, along with the management and staff at The Black Horse and The Horse & Farrier, for their continued support. Above all, thanks go to the incredibly talented musicians who so generously give their time and talents to support the event.
The festival team hopes that the people of Otley and visitors alike will support the musicians and help raise vital funds for a number of extremely worthwhile local causes.