'Support real people' - Yorkshire market town's Christmas advert captures bid to support independent businesses
For the effort they put in to make Christmas a cracker, the good folk of Otley would surely score ten out of ten.
As ever they have gone the extra mile to try and attract as many shoppers as possible to the town during the festive season.
Their ninth Christmas ad is out, and their Victorian Christmas fair – number 38 – is now underway.
On Saturday (Dec 6) some 15,000 people – many from the 30-minute catchment area – are expected to descend on Otley to browse among dozens of stalls, while enjoying everything from band music to a steam train ride and a Punch & Judy sideshow.
Mayor Paul Carter, who opened the fair, said working with the town’s Business Improvement District and residents, they’d put more money this year into the Christmas lights, making sure the market square and other parts, looks as festive as possible.
Coun Carter said: “We have a fantastic volunteer base and a lot of people give their time to make the town a success.”
One of the town’s unique selling points is the number of independent shops – 75 per cent compared to the national market town average of 61 per cent. There is cheese, soap, beer – and even clogs made in Otley.
One of the town’s ‘makers’, Amy Wilson, who people may recognise from the town’s Underground Bakery, pops up in the new film, released earlier this week.
Amanda Child of Otley Players, plays a grieving widow lured back into shopping in town after spotting a old thank-you note to her late husband from a friendly shopkeeper.
The film was shot across Otley with the help of locals, businesses and venues.
Among those to have leant a hand are Coun Jo Allen who loaned her home, Ian Shutt of Shadow Brewing who provided the party venue, and Chris Marsden of Letties the café location.
Many local businesses appear, including Orchard Florist (with owner Alishia Easthope in a key role), Tansy Blackman of Menna Tansy Pearl, plus representatives of Courtyard Planters, Weegeman’s, Wilkinsons and Middlemiss butchers, Simon & Becky, Like Nana Did, Otley Mobiles, O’Deli, and more.
Coun Carter said: “Christmas in Otley is always special: twinkling lights, friendly faces, bustling shops, and this year’s film captures that feeling beautifully. It shows how a small town can wrap you up with kindness.”
Katie Burnett,of Otley BID, added: “From everyday essentials to one-off, made-here gifts (and even the occasional special request!), our independents go the extra mile.
"This film is a lovely reminder that when you buy local, you support real people.”