Otley: Lottery funding to back market town's 800th anniversary with four-day Charter Weekend

An ancient charter granted for the founding of Otley as a market town is to be brought to life in four-day celebrations as major funding is agreed to mark its 800th anniversary.

Bids have been secured for £185,000 in Lottery funding, with sums to be matched in similar figures from Otley Town Council (OTC), to mark a moment in West Yorkshire’s history.

Now landmark celebrations, to begin next year, will see a programme under five threads, from a charter weekend to a tapestry telling the town’s story.

Coun Penny Robinson, leader of OTC, said members were “absolutely delighted”.

“The £185,000 award markedly changes the tone and scope of the celebrations,” she said.

“Alongside the significant investment already committed by OTC, it gives us the opportunity to create a very special celebration that honours the past while looking to the future.”

Otley is thought to have been a permanent settlement as far back as Saxon times, but it was only 800 years ago, in 1227, that it was granted a Royal Market Charter.

This, along with the construction of a bridge over the River Wharfe a year later, was to shape its future as a major centre for medieval trade.

Today, Otley is a bustling market town, with its cobbled streets and famous Chevin framing a scenic setting.

The funding, for an ambitious programme under Otley 800, will see celebrations scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

Thousands of residents and visitors are set to benefit, said organisers, building a legacy for future generations.

First there is to be a four-day Charter Weekend, to launch next May.

Then a People’s Tapestry, created by volunteers, sharing the story of Otley’s history.

A pop-up Otley Museum, professionally curated, aims to reunite visitors with a collection that has not been publicly displayed for some 16 years.

Then a community grants programme will allow local organisations to develop their own events and projects exploring different aspects of the town’s heritage.

Finally, the celebration programme will culminate in June 2028 with a Bridge Weekend, set to include a riverside pageant.

“It’s important that Otley 800 belongs to the whole community, giving people the chance to celebrate their hometown and its wider importance to Yorkshire and, indeed, the world,” said Coun Robinson.

“During the development of the bid, a significant number of local groups submitted some fantastic ideas for their own celebrations,” she added.

"We now look forward to seeing how these can be developed further, as well as welcoming further ideas for events and projects.”

Helen Featherstone, director for the North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “800 years of heritage means that Otley has a lot of history to celebrate.

“We’re delighted that thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we can support this programme of events that will delve into the varied heritage of Otley and allow its communities to explore and uncover the fascinating stories that have shaped the town.”

For more details see otley800.co.uk.