In December of 2020, at the height of the pandemic, we somehow managed to put together a festive version of our online festival, featuring many of Otley’s top musical acts. We’re actually quite proud of what we came up with and believe it’s a credit to the community, especially at what was such a difficult time. So we’ve left it here for posterity for everyone to enjoy again!
Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas everyone!
Our gift to you is a sparkling edition of the festival, complete with carols, Christmas tunes and all sorts of incredible music to get you in a festive mood.
Tonight will be particularly special, as we open with traditional carols from female folk trio Yan Tan Tether, filmed in Otley Parish Church. This truly is a magical performance but before we start, a word from our organiser, Paul Briscoe about the festival so far.
As Paul has indicated, we have a whole feast of acts lined up for tonight’s show, but first off, please can we remind you to donate whatever you can afford to our Gofundme campaign here https://www.gofundme.com/f/otley-music-festival-online This is a fundraising festival and EVERY penny counts. We are looking to reach our target of £2,000 for some well deserving local charities. YOU can help us do this.
So now that you’re sitting comfortably…first up is Yan Tan Tether! Lynne O’Malley, Tess Leslie and Rosie Knighton set the scene with a heavenly blend of harmonies. We just know that their traditional Christmas carols will melt your hearts!
Wasn’t that stunning? If you would like to purchase more of Yan Tan Tether’s music, there are three incredible CDs to choose from. Please visit their Bandcamp here https://yantantether.bandcamp.com/
Next up is the Jon Palmer Acoustic Band, who recorded their lively contribution in warmer times! Remember sunshine? We are particularly pleased to showcase Jon’s music as an antidote to this grey, sleet-filled December night. So get out your sunglasses, crank up the heating and enjoy!
We’re sure you will agree that was another fantastic gig – roll on the summer months! Again, if you are interested in hearing more, you can visit Jon’s Bandcamp, where there are four albums on sale including his latest, One Fine Day. Here’s the link http://www.jonpalmeracousticband.com/merchandise/
The next contribution comes from a variety of well-known Otley artists, including; our very own Paul Briscoe, steam plunk band, Ullalele, husband and wife team Celia and Richard Currie, Tim Marshall, Graeme Matthews, Mags Elliott and Jon Budworth. Many Otley musicians weave in and out of each others’ bands, pairing up in all sorts of new and unexpected ways. We think this is what makes the music community so special…
Hold on to your hats now folks! Mr Lovepants starts off this next video which also features contributions from Stephen Phillips, Malcolm Connell, Richard Currie, Simon Carey and Jon Budworth, David Jameson, James Dale, Mags Elliott and Jon Budworth.
Anyone who has attended Otta’s Leah open mics in the past will recognise most of the musicians in our line up. But if you are new to the scene, don’t worry – they won’t let you down. Next we have wonderful harmonies from Chimes, followed by songs from Graeme Matthews, Bernie Stinson, Fiona Harding, Richard and Celia Currie, Paul Briscoe, Tim Marshall and Jon Budworth.
This next compilation features the youngest member of the Otta’s Leah gang, Beth Hardaker (16). Beth, who has been playing live since the age of 13, teamed up with her brother, Joe to make a video especially for the event. Also featured are Nick Wood and Bernie Stinson, Paul Briscoe, Stephen Phillips, Gerry McNeice, David Jameson, Richard Currie, Mags Elliott and Simon Elliott, Andrea Hardaker and Cathy Crabtree.
Sadly, we are coming towards the end of our gig. It’s been a long time since we all met in person, but one thing is clear – the community spirit is still thriving among Otley musicians. We can’t wait until we will meet again, but until then, a huge thanks to everyone who has contributed music or financially to the festival. Please can we take this moment to remind you of our chosen causes; Otley Parish Church’s Local to Global Campaign, (supporting Caring For Life, at Crag House Farm, Leeds and Kisiizi Hospital in Uganda) The Woolpack Music and Arts Studios (based in Otley). A small percentage will also be used for professional performing musicians whose work has been badly affected by Covid-19 restrictions. And here’s the link https://www.gofundme.com/f/otley-music-festival-online
Featured in this last set are; organiser Paul Briscoe, Gerry McNeice, Stephen and Liz Phillips, Rocksalt Acoustic, with a nod to the New Year (a big, big nod) from Andrea Hardaker and Cathy Crabtree
Merry Christmas and thanks for watching!
Otley Music Festival 