Welcome to Otley 800
Otley 800 is a year-long celebration commemorating the 800th anniversary of Otley’s town charter and bridge.
Starting in May 2027, the project bridges the past, present, and future by honouring Otley’s rich history, fostering a vibrant present, and inspiring a hopeful future.
Through a tapestry of events, we celebrate Otley’s resilience, community spirit, and evolution. We connect people, places, and ideas with immersive experiences, artistic expression, and historical re-enactments.
Otley 800 is a catalyst for progress: promoting tourism, boosting local businesses, and crafting a new people’s charter that reflects our aspirations for the next chapter.
Otley 800 is an Otley Town Council initiative
Have your say
Otley 800 is a project for residents, community groups, schools and businesses and we want to hear from you.
If you have an idea for a project to form part of the Otley 800 celebration let us know by using the button below
Otley was granted a Market Charter by King Henry III in May 1227 and a year later in 1228 Otley Bridge was completed by the Archbishop of York. To recognise the 800th anniversary of these two pivotal events Otley Town Council has set up Otley 800 to oversee a year-long series of celebrations which will start in May 2027 and end in May 2028.
Over the next three years Otley 800 will engage with residents, community groups, local businesses, schools, event organisers, religious groups, historians, Otley ambassadors, local artists and environmentalists to create a rich and diverse tapestry of events and activities which will showcase our historical significance and offer residents and visitors alike the chance to explore our iconic location and experience our enduring charm.
Otley 800 will be a catalyst for progress which will boost the local economy and leave a legacy that will both honour our rich cultural heritage and reflect our aspirations for a hopeful future.