This November, Otley launches its first Bookfest — a brand new literary adventure landing right in the heart of our historic market town. We've packed the weekend into seven themes — Fiction, Landscapes, Young Adults, Mountain Running, Work in Translation, Graphic Novels & Documentary, and Authentic Authoring of African Stories — each one bringing together well-known writers, musicians and artists for proper conversation, not just Q&As for t

Join us on September 25th from 7pm for the launch of the Common Parlance! This brand-new event series opens with an extraordinary evening. Celebrated broadcaster and writer Ian Clayton will host an insightful conversation with Eliza Carthy—the acclaimed folk musician, MBE recipient, and multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner. Eliza is renowned not only for her fiddle playing but also for her work in reviving traditional English folk music. She’ll share stories, a bit of l

Artly arts & crafts for kids returns to Otley Common this summer. They are running five sessions in total for three different age groups YR/KS1 - Tuesdays 21st & 28th July - 10:30-12:00pm KS2 - Wednesdays 22nd & 29th July - 10:00-12:00pm Preschool - Friday 24th July - 10:30-11:30am From £9 per session To sign-up or for more information, email Laura artlycrafts21@gmail.com

Do ghosts exist? Psychologist and paranormal investigator Dr Graham Ramsden will deliver a balanced talk to leave it up to you to decide. Join us for an evening that goes well beyond ghost stories around a campfire. Dr Ramsden will share never-before-seen photographic evidence gathered over years of investigation, play back real voices captured from the grave, and take you deep into the world of the paranormal.

If you would like to take part in focused movement and breathing to relax your body and mind, come to one or all of our Movement & Meditation classes running here in August. Claire will guide you with seated meditation for inner peace, clarity & purpose. You can book in advance. Each session costs just £12, or you can book all four sessions for the special price of £40. Booking in advance is recommended to reserve your place, but you can also turn up on the night and pay £12

We are very pleased to announce the schedule for our upcoming series of DJ nights here at Otley Common. Across six varied events you can expect a wide range of music, styles, and guest DJs to bring a bit of dance and party vibe to the centre of Otley. Co-hosted in collaboration with Otley Town Mayor Mick Bradley we're also raising funds in support of Otley 2030, and Music & Arts Project Leeds. Tickets are just £10 each, or £6 each for supported tickets (+bf). Pick whichever f

Saturday 18th July 2026 7:00 PM Yes, it’s about time Otley had its own literature festival – which we’re calling the Otley Bookfest – and to celebrate this first festival, which will be held at Otley Common on the weekend of 27–29 November, we’re hosting a launch concert featuring the mighty Commoners Choir and local heroes the Otley Ukulele Orchestra. All proceeds from the launch concert, at our new community-led venue Otley Common, will help to make the

Summer Workshop at Otley Common This is a 3-day creative workshop where children (and any participating adults!) will learn how to create a handmade notebook completely from scratch. The sessions will explore; papermaking, marbling, and simple bookbinding techniques, transforming recycled paper and raw materials into beautiful, finished notebooks to take home. The workshops are relaxed and hands-on, designed to encourage creativity, experimentation, and confidence in a calm a

Otley EMOM - Join us this Saturday from 6:30pm - 10:30pm - Entry is FREE. Otley EMOM will be bringing you a fun night of live beats and electronic jams! We are excited to be hosting our first ever Electronic Music Open Mic night in our amazing main hall. The format will be the ‘Classic’ EMOM format – two tables, a stereo line input and a microphone. One performer sets up whilst the other table is playing, then straight into the next. FREE tickets available through Eventbrite:

THE 35th OTLEY FOLK FESTIVAL 18-20 September 2026 We are pleased to announce that this years Otley Folk Festival main venues will be Otley Parish Church and Otley Common. The Otley Folk Festival has used the old Methodist Hall in past years and now, with the refurbishment in full swing we, are confident that our relationship with the folk festival will flourish. There will be shows across both Saturday and Sunday here at Otley Common. This years festival has a line-up of a