Leeds butchers pork pies are the unlikely stars of Christmas advert

Following on from the success of last year’s Christmas film, which mimicked the style of a John Lewis ad, The Twelve Days of Otley Christmas sees local choir Sally’s Army sing an adaptation of the much-loved Christmas carol.

The choir is joined by Otley residents and dignitaries, many of whom feature in clips of the 12 things to do in the film - including indulging in ‘five pork pies’ from butchers Weegmanns, JB Wilkinson and Geo Middlemiss.

Production of the film saw many local businesses, dignitaries and townsfolk gathering to draw on their artistic talents and natural enthusiasm to help promote Otley.

The film was devised, created and produced by Visit Otley’s tourism consultants Endure Communications based in Pool in Wharfedale, while filming and editing was undertaken by Menston-based M Char Media.

Lyrics to the song were adapted by Otley’s town poet Matthew Hedley Stoppard alongside Sally Egan of local women’s choir Sally’s Army, who sing the lyrics with great enthusiasm. Recording of the music took place at Otley’s Woolpack Studios.

Chair of Otley Town Council’s trade and tourism committee Coun Paul Carter said: “We had a lot of fun playing with the slightly subdued tone of the Christmas adverts of a famous department store last year, but for 2018 we decided to produce a clip filled with joy that is a celebration of all that is good in Otley at Christmas. We hope it serves as a fine and fun advertisement for all the town has to offer over the festive season.”

Chair of Otley BID Steph Lee said: “Once again, officials, businesses and residents have pooled their talents to show why Otley is West Yorkshire’s Christmas town. We hope the film will draw more people into Otley over the Christmas period to sample our fabulous food and drink offering and visit our great range of independent shops. While here, of course, they should also make sure they pick up some of our fine pork pies.”

The Otley Christmas film is part of a wider drive to promote the festive season in Otley. The campaign is being produced under the Visit Otley banner with the support of Otley Town Council, Otley BID, Otley Town Partnership and Otley & District Chamber of Trade & Commerce.