AFTER a year of planning the 42nd Otley Carnival took place on Saturday, June 15.
Despite the wet weather thousands of visitors turned out for the carnival’s parade, creating an amazing atmosphere, organisers said.
The parade was headed by Otley Town Bell Man, Terry Ford and Otley Town Mayor Cllr Penny Robinson and her consort Douglas Robinson.
Local schools taking part included Ashfield Primary School, Askwith Primary School, St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Pool Primary School, Westgate Primary School, The Whartons Primary School, All Saints Primary School and Prince Henry’s Grammar School.
Other organisations taking part included Otley Brass Band, Otley Carnival Stars, Steel Concordia, Little Green Frog Nursery, Monkey Puzzle, Prickly Pigs Hedgehog Rescue, Otley Parish Church, Footloose Dance, 2nd Otley Scout, Yeadon Squadron of Air Cadets, Otley Ukulele Orchestra, White Rose Yorkshire, Steampunks, and Otley Brass Band Judging was carried out two of the carnival's main sponsors but with difficult decisions having to be made due to the tough competition and the great creativity of the various organisations and schools.
The Parade Winners were as follows:
Adult Float/Walking Group: Winner – Otley Ukulele Orchestra; Runner Up – Prickly Pigs.
Junior Organisation including Nursery: Winner – Little Green Frog; Runner Up – Monkey Puzzle School.
Walking Group: Winner - The Whartons School; Runner Up – Ashfield School School.
Float: Winner – All Saints School; Runner Up – Prince Henry’s Grammar School.
Down at the carnival field there was a variety of stalls, from art and crafts and charity stalls to many food options and beer. There were also fairground rides and axe throwing.
Chair of the Carnival Committee Nigel Gill took to the main stage to welcome people to this year’s event and said it was to commemorate the much loved and missed committee member Sarah Jackson who died in 2023.
"Her spirit lives on," he said. "I am so proud to be chair of the Carnival Committee and work with such a remarkable and brilliant team. Without them the Carnival would not able to happen. We also do not receive any public money and rely on sponsorship and raised money through raffle tickets. To ensure we can continue running any donations are appreciated."
The committee have set up a Just Giving Page and encourage people to donate. Visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/supportthecarnival
Otley Town Mayor also made a short speech and committee members Nicola Horner and Kelly Laurenson handed out awards for the Carnival Stars and parade winners and runners up.
There was then entertainment on the main stage from Soma Yoga & Dance and Inspirations Dance.
Mr Gill added: "The Carnival Committee would like to thank Coopers for providing wagons for the floats, APEX removals for helping transport items like chairs etc, carnival volunteers, parade judges and our sponsors Leeds Bradford Airport, Otley Garden Centre, Dacre, Son and Hartley and not forgetting our brilliant Carnival Stars who have been great ambassadors carrying out various charity events like handing out homeless hampers in Leeds, attending Otley Action for Older People’s Easter Party, Otley Town Council Litter picks, help switch on Otley Christmas Lights and helping Wildlife Friendly Otley and Otley 2030.
"If anyone would is interesting in joining our hardworking committee to email info@otleycarnival.co.uk"
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