THOUSANDS of people enjoyed a ‘fabulous’ 33rd Otley Victorian Fayre.

The annual event’s traditional, early festive charms proved more powerful than the unappealing weather forecast on Sunday, December 2.

The crowds were treated to everything from carol singing and an array of Christmas-themed stalls to a Sherlock Holmes inspired play and a steampunk flavoured parade.

Many of the stallholders, along with staff at the town’s pubs, shops and cafes, donned Victorian dress.

Organiser Steph Lee, from Otley Town Partnership, said: “This year’s fayre was fabulous. We expected the crowds to stay away as the forecast was dreadful, but they turned up in their thousands.

“I spoke to lots of the stallholders who all said , without exception, that it was the best event they have attended both for sales and organisation: Weegmanns butchers posted on social media that they had sold 1,800 pies by 3pm!

“And the mini parade of re-enactors and steampunk enthusiasts went down well.”

Local politicians, including Otley Town Council Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson, were among those attending. He said: “Despite the wet morning the weather was kind for the afternoon and evening of the Victorian Fayre, which was enjoyed by as large a crowd as ever.

“The whole community really gets behind this event, supporting the local shops, pubs and cafes as well as enjoying the festive entertainments.

“It’s an all-year round task for the volunteers who organise it with great energy and flair - thanks again to Steph Lee and her team for another fine effort which is greatly appreciated.”

MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West), along with fellow local Labour politician Elliot Nathan, donned period costume for the event. Mr Sobel said: “I had a fabulous day.

“The fayre was a fantastic opportunity to meet residents and volunteers who have worked so hard to make the event so special.

“As well as serving as a reminder of our town’s Victorian past, the impact it has on the town spirit, tourism and local economy is significant. The fayre is a proud Otley tradition I look forward to every year.”

Mr Nathan, Labour's Otley and Yeadon ward candidate for next year's city council elections, said: "The Victorian Fayre brings thousands of visitors to Otley through the hard work of the Fayre Committee. I felt privileged to be able to help out on one of the stalls."

Also attending in Victorian garb was the Liberal Democrats’ Parliamentary candidate for Leeds North West, Kamran Hussain, who hailed the fayre’s ‘great family atmosphere’.

He added: “I’m really pleased local businesses are supported in this way.”