Otley enjoys bumper Victorian Fayre

The pedestrianised town centre was heaving with visitors eager to sample the traditional delights of the pre-Christmas event on Sunday, December 4.

They were treated, beneath clear skies that filled with stars as the day went on, to everything from carol singing and Morris dancing to fairground rides and a multitude of stalls selling Yuletide wares.

Warming refreshments, including mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, doughnuts and a hog roast were also in plentiful supply to ensure visitors could heat up as the temperatures started to fall.

Fayre organiser Steph Lee, of Otley Town Partnership, said: "The primary reason for running the fayre is to put Otley on the map and increase the visitor spend in the town.

"Fine weather and unbelievably large crowds made the 31st Victorian Fayre the best one ever.

"Visitors were arriving two hours before the official start and the crowds continued throughout the day.

"I am so proud of my team, all of whom are volunteers."

The Otley Courthouse organised lantern display, making its second appearance at the fayre, proved to be one of the highlights.

The procession, featuring lanterns made by local children who carried their creations, started off from the Courthouse as darkness fell and made its way through the town centre crowds, who cheered it along.

Led by Otley Bellman Terry Ford and 'Victorian' policemen, the parade also featured a giant dancing dragon and dragon-bird, a stilt walker and a unicyclist.

And it was accompanied by musicians whose rhythms helped generate a real carnival atmosphere.

Many local dignitaries, including MP Greg Mulholland and Otley Town Mayor Councillor Ian Jackson, dressed in period costume for the occasion - as did a number of shopkeepers, publicans, stallholders and buskers.

Local businesswoman Rachelle Atkin posted her praise for the day online,. She said: "A fantastic Victorian Fayre and the Lantern Parade was amazing."

Butchers J B Wilkinson & Sons were one of the many Otley businesses who opened for the day.

They said afterwards: "What a great day. Well done everybody involved."

Otley Town Council Leader Councillor Ray Georgeson added: "A huge thank you to Stephanie Lee and the team that work so hard to bring the Victorian Fayre to Otley.

"So much work goes on behind the scenes as well as the clearing up afterwards to make this event so special.

"Huge hat tip to you all, and a heartfelt thanks."

Mr Mulholland, who was part of the judging team on the day for Otley Pub Club's Elise Brumfitt Victorian Alehouse Award, said: "This year’s fayre was quite possibly the best that there has ever been.

"It was a huge success and a wonderful family day out.

"There was a great atmosphere here and a wide variety of stalls, food, drink and entertainment on offer.

"The fayre has long been a real part of the Christmas season in Otley, so a real well done to Steph Lee and her team for putting on a successful and very special event."

Ward Councillor Sandy Lay, summing up his feelings, said: "Days like today remind me how lucky I am to live in Otley.

"Thanks to the Victorian Fayre team for another great day."