Leeds Markets

Otley’s Victorian Fayre is a magical event which is held every year in the run up to Christmas and gets everyone who visits into the Festive spirit.

Shopkeepers and stall holders in Otley dress in period costumes, the local schools bring their children, also dressed in Victorian finery, into town to sing Christmas carols.

The atmosphere takes a step back to a former era when the main roads in the centre of Otley are closed to accommodate children’s rides and amusements, street organs and entertainment, Morris dancers, choirs, craft and gift stalls, food sellers and other events.

Otley Victorian Fayre was originally the brainchild of Otley Chamber of Commerce. They wanted to give the town’s shops a boost in the run up to Christmas and chose the Victorian theme because it was in the Victorian era that Christmas, as we now know it, really started.

The first Fayre was held in 1985 and was an immediate success. Within a couple of years the Chamber of Trade realised that it had become too large for them to continue running and so a voluntary committee was formed.

Over the years the volunteers have come and gone. All have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Fayre stays true to the aims that were set down by its founders.

The 26th Otley Victorian Fayre which will be held on Sunday 11th December 12-6pm.

For more information please see http://www.victorianfayre.co.uk or email steph.lee7@talktalk.net