THE first week in July sees the return of the annual Otley Live Music and Arts Festival – with events across the town’s venues and on the streets from June 30 to July 9, 2023.

Otley Live started in 2021, when a group of venue owners, promoters, musicians and councillors from the local community got together to bring back the live music scene after lockdown. Working together, they aimed to celebrate Otley’s music scene with a weekend full of live music for locals and visitors to enjoy.

In 2023, Otley Live is expanding to include more art forms, workshops, activities and gigs for people of all ages and tastes to participate in and enjoy. The festival takes place in many of Otley’s fine venues, pubs and spaces.

Venues include: The Rookery, Woolpack Studios, Otley Courthouse, Tapas and Tune, Otley Social Club, The market place, Upco, Otley Tap House and Otley Rugby Club.

The festival also incorporates a teenage music weekend. Full details and essential booking information can be found at otleylivefestival.com/young-people/

The full programme of paid for events across the week can be found at otleylivefestival.com and there are also a number of un-ticketed events.

A few highlights of the pay-as-you-feel events taking place are:

On Saturday, July 1 and Saturday, July 8 there are buskers at designated and signed Busk Stops - New Inn Court, the Buttercross, Orchard Gate and Bay Horse Court - from 11am to 4pm. There is also a tremendous bouzouki player outside Thomas' Taverna from noon to 2pm. On the same day Leeds Project Big Band will be playing at Otley Courthouse from 11am to 4pm, interspersed by performances by The White Rosettes Barbershop Chorus. Leeds Project invite musicians to come along with their instruments and play alongside them.

Chippendale Singers invite people along to listen, or join in, at their weekly rehearsal at 7.45pm at Otley Courthouse on Wednesday, July 5 at 7.45pm.

On Thursday, July 6, Otley Live has teamed up with Leeds 2023 to present an evening of 12 workshops and walks - all free of charge - followed by entertainment and food at Otley Courthouse.

The following Saturday, July 8 – Otley Courthouse presents a performance by Sally’s Army Choir and the Daniel Bath Trio – with coffee and cake from 10.30am. They are followed by three performances by Dales Jam World Jazz Band – at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. On the same day the Woolpack Recording Studios will be hosting an Outdoor stage from noon.

Sunday, July 9 sees the Festival closing with a big stage in the Market Square from noon.

Full information of the events above, and of the many ticketed events, can be found at otleylivefestival.com