If there’s one thing that Covid-19 can’t cancel, it’s an Otley Christmas. The festive period is traditionally one where Otley puts on its best showing thanks to a packed events programme, including the ever-popular Victorian Fayre and the Christmas Tree Festival. While many of those events have been put on hold for 2020, the holiday season is still set to be one of great cheer in Otley thanks to the following events.
Otley Clap for Christmas and Lights Switch On
The festivities start at 7pm on Monday November 23 with the switch-on of the town Christmas lights, that will also be commemorated with a special one-minute Otley Clap for Christmas.
The event is intended to bring people together in spirit for a minute over Lockdown 2, even if they have to be socially distanced in their homes or places of work. While the Spring’s weekly Clap for Carers proved so popular in its support of NHS staff and other key workers, organisers at the Otley Town Coordination Committee (see Editor’s notes) are encouraging people to extend their show of support and gratitude beyond our wonderful carers.
So whether people want to continue to show support of the NHS, give some appreciation to businesses that provided a service during tough times, or simply remember a loved one, the event will offer the chance for people to bring those they care most about to mind at this special time of year.
Otley’s Christmas Trees
The Christmas Tree Festival may be postponed to 2021, but that doesn’t mean that Yorkshire’s Christmas Tree Town will be resting on its pine-scented laurels. As well as the usual Christmas Tree in Market Place, Otley BID and the Chamber of Commerce have organised for businesses throughout the town to have their own mini trees to decorate. As with last year, all lights throughout the town will have a crisp, ice-white feel.
Super Sunday Shopping openings and Window into Christmas
Otley’s High Street is second to none when it comes to its great range of independent shops backed up by some national supermarket outlets. This year, residents and visitors will get two extra opportunities to pick up goodies ahead of the holidays thanks to two Super Sunday Openings, providing lockdown is lifted. Held on December 6 (traditionally Victorian Fayre day) and December 20, (the day of Otley’s last Farmers’ Market for 2020), businesses will open their doors to give people more time to visit the shops. A list of open businesses can be found here with more being added on a daily basis.
A number of Otley businesses will also be trying to outdo each other with their window displays this year as they vie for the title of winner of the Window into Christmas competition with prizes including the Alan Furze Memorial Cup and a slap-up meal for two at Otley’s superlative Italian restaurant Buon Apps. Town Mayor Cllr Peter Jackson will choose the worthy winners on Sunday December 6. Those visiting the shops will be able to take part too, thanks to a special Window into Christmas quiz. Further details will be released on the Visit Otley social media channels later in November.
Virtual Christmas Concert
Some of the best highlights of lockdown were the amazing performances that took place as part of the Otley Online Music Festival. The team is back for a special one-off Christmas performance on December 4. The full line-up, put together by local musician and beer-brewing master Paul Briscoe, will be announced later this month. See https://otleymusicfestival.wordpress.com/ for details.
The Otley Snowman Trail
The Otley Snowman Trail is back and promises to be better than ever. Those wishing to take part in the event that starts on December 1 can pick up a leaflet from one of the various outlets in the town and follow the snowmen on a trail around local homes and businesses. Entry is free, but participants are encouraged to make a donation to the Hang on to a Dream charity. See https://otleysnowmantrail.weebly.com/ for details.
Visit Otley’s 2020 Christmas video
At Christmas every year, people around the world wait on tenterhooks in anticipation of the release of a well-known annual festive film – the one done by Visit Otley. What do the team have in store for 2020? People will have to keep a keen eye on social media to find out!
Chair of Otley Town Council’s Trade and Tourism Committee Cllr Paul Carter said: “Christmas is traditionally when Otley comes into its own. While we cannot host many of our regular events in the current climate, we feel we have come up with a great mixture events that people can enjoy both online, offline or in their own personal way that will allow everyone to still enjoy the Christmas spirit in these challenging times.”
Chair of Otley BID Thomas Hatley said: “Many of Otley’s businesses have been High Street Heroes throughout the pandemic, continuing to serve residents and visitors in a very different manner to what people are used to. It’s refreshing to see that they are continuing to do so by both extending their opening hours on the Super Sundays and making sure the town looks appropriately dressed thanks to their vibrant Christmas displays.”