As we head into 2022, Otley’s events calendar for the year is starting to form with some new additions, as well as the return of some old favourites after a hiatus.

The new additions mean there is now a major event almost every month throughout the year, starting with Otley Coffee Culture to be held at the Parish Church and in the town’s cafés on April 30. The festival was originally slated to be held back in 2020 but was cancelled at the height of the Covid-19 crisis. Tickets will cost £5 and are set to go on sale in February.

May is a fabulous month for festivals and events. First up will be another newbie, the Otley Poetry Festival which is being curated by Otley’s Town Poet, Matthew Hedley Stoppard. Matthew is thought to be the only town poet in the country and he’s sharpening his own pen and looking for other poets to star. More details to follow soon.

May also features the Vintage Chevin Motor Rally organised by Chevin Motor Club on May 8, as well as the return of the much-loved Otley Show on Saturday May 21.

As we head into summer, June promises to be another packed month starting with the four-day holiday to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee from June 2-5, followed by Otley Carnival which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Later in the month, things take on more of a sporty twist thanks to the Otley Cycling Family Fun Day on June 26 and Otley Cycle Races on Wednesday June 29. The Otley Walking Festival will run this year from June 25 to July 3.

July may see the return of the Otley Food Festival which has also taken a hiatus. The organisers have currently pencilled in July 10 and this is set to be confirmed in the next few weeks. Meanwhile, Otley’s first Pride Festival is set for July 16, while another busy month comes to an end with the second edition of Otley Live over the weekend of July 29-31. August 1 is, of course, Yorkshire Day.

Events for the final four months are still to be confirmed but it is hoped that the Heritage Open Days, Town Crier Competition, Folk Festival and Otley Vintage Transport Extravaganza will be held as usual in September, followed by the Remembrance Parade, Beer Festival and Christmas Lights Switch On in November.

The year is set to end with the wish that our Christmas Programme is back to full strength, with organisers looking at potentially hosting both the Victorian Fayre and the Christmas Tree Festival.

As ever, the best place to get updates for all Otley’s events in one place is our calendar on Visit Otley. Remember to bookmark it so you don’t miss out.