Fayre is big attraction for all of the family (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Fayre is big attraction for all of the family

Otley was alive to the sound of festive fun as visitors thronged to the town for the annual Victorian Fayre.

At 5pm, the town centre was closed to traffic and stallholders moved quickly to prepare for the expected thousands of visitors.

A dry and mild evening meant crowds flocked into Otley to browse around the stalls, enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and hot meat pies and sandwiches, watch Morris dancers Buttercross Belles and Otley Wayzgoose and listen to choirs.

For the children, there was plenty to keep them amused, from a miniature railway in Newmarket to fairground rides in Beech Hill car park and Manor Square.

Chris Benson, from Otley, said his children had loved the fairground rides. "We always come to the fayre because its such a good, local event, and to have it on such a good evening when it hasn't rained, has been great. I'm sure the organisers will be pleased with how its gone."

And Jayne Broadbent, also from Otley, said she'd been particularly impressed with the selection of stalls. "It's nice to see more stalls selling crafts rather than the commercial stuff, it just makes it more interesting."

Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland who was at the event with wife, Raegan, and baby girl, Isobel, said he'd had an enjoyable time.

"It's good to see so many people in the town, we're having a really good time," he said.

Jo Sweetman, of Farnley Primary School PTA, which ran a stall selling mulled wine and mince pies, a lucky dip and tombola, said it had been a really enjoyable evening.

"It was the first time we've held a stall at the fayre and its gone really well. We've all really enjoyed the atmosphere and the mulled wine has certainly gone down very well -- we actually sold out and had to get more supplies.We've also raised a good amount of money for the school, so its been a success all round."

Diana Allen, of Otley Carnival Committee, said their children's gifts stall sold out very quickly.

"It was extremely successful, we have a lucky dip for the children and every time it goes very well. It was a beautiful evening and there did seem to be quite a lot of people in the town. I was disappointed with the number of people who were dressed up though, there didn't seem to be that many."

During the day schoolchildren brought festive cheer to the town with their lovely renditions of Christmas songs and carols.

Girls dressed in traditional long dresses, shawls and mop caps, and boys wearing flat caps looked like typical Victorian urchins. Wrapped up warmly against the bitterly cold elements the youngsters held the crowds in thrall with a selection of beautifully delivered festive songs - waving excitedly from time to time at friends and family in the audience.

Westgate youngsters Will Mullens and Tara Appleyard sang on their own as part of their school's performance, featuring five, six, and seven-year-olds.

Head teacher Rhona Bignell said the children had been very excited about their performance.

"It is one of the highlights of the year and everybody loves it," she said. "It's great to be part of what is special about Otley. "

Mrs Vanessa Laws, from Bramhope School, said: "They have had a really busy week, and they have done very well. We are really proud of them."

Mrs Irene Green, from Cornucopia, was one of the shop keepers who donned traditional Victorian garb for the event.

She said: "I just wish more people would do it. I have spoken to a few and said are you dressing up, and they say we used to. I think more should do it. It's good fun and it does bring more people into the town."

Liz Clayton from the Skipton Building society was another who ventured out in traditional garb, and she said her company was serving coffee, mince pies and sherry to its customers."

She said: I think it is good for the town."

Staff at a number of shops dressed up for the day, including the assistants at Greggs bakers, who wore crisp white blouses, full skirts, aprons and mop caps.

This year the money from the Fayre is being donated to Otley's First Responders. The group were able to set up stall at the Buttercross, and also had a licence for the street collection.

The group's leader Edward Winpenny said the team was the busiest in Yorkshire and he said the money raised would go towards helping buy more equipment, and further training.

He thanked the organisers of the Victorian Fayre and said: "We are raising this money in Otley - and it is being used for the people of Otley."

The results of the Christmas Window Competition are - Overall Winner, Carole Fashions. Window Dressing: first, Wilkinson's Butchers; second, Captain Value; third, Oxfam. Victorian Costume: first, Skipton building society; second, academy florists; third, Scope. The Town Mayor's Special Merit Award went to Otley Apothecary.