OTLEY’S ‘incredible community spirit’ is celebrated in the town’s new Christmas film.

Ain’t We Got Fun in Otley this Christmas? is the title of this year’s promotional festive advert for the town.

The film, the third offering from Visit Otley, features a star turn by Otley Ukulele Orchestra as they perform a localised version of the 1921 hit Ain’t We Got Fun. The orchestra, decked out in Santa hats and Christmas jumpers and led by founder and multi-instrumentalist Jennifer Pugh, sing new Otley-specific lyrics that were written by Richard Sabey of the Big Hoo-Ha Company.

As the song plays the film’s camera takes the viewer on a journey that includes visits to various community groups ranging from 2nd Otley Cub Scouts to Otley Action for Older People.

Businesses including the town’s three award-winning butchers, chocolatiers Patisserie Viennoise and several pubs and cafes also feature along with festive events such as the Victorian Fayre and Otley Christmas Tree Festival.

Other cast members include ballroom dancers, pub-goers, Morris dancers, walkers, snowmen, Town Bellman Terry Ford and, of course, Santa. The film, which can be viewed on the Visit Otley Facebook page and on YouTube, has already been watched by nearly 20,000 people.

Chair of Otley Town Council’s Trade and Tourism committee, Councillor Paul Carter, said: “For a small market town Otley’s fun Christmas community spirit is second to none. In an era where the nation has perhaps never been more divided, we wanted to emphasise all the things that unite us at this special time of year.

“We hope it encourages as many people as possible to come and sample that spirit for themselves, whether at one of our fabulous Christmas events or shopping at our many independent stores.”

Chair of Otley BID, Thomas Hatley, added: “Community spirit is what unites us, from the town’s many selfless volunteers to our incredible independent businesses – which is why we are proud to have once more contributed to Otley’s festive video.

“We feel it highlights just how unique a town this is, and we hope to see many more people visiting us to have fun in Otley.”

The Town Council and Otley BID provided financial backing for the film, which was conceived by Visit Otley’s PR agency Endure Communications with the filming and editing carried out by Menston’s MCharMedia.