OTLEY is preparing to toast its most famous son with a festival of celebrations.

The town has organised a whole programme of events to mark the 300th anniversary of master furniture maker and designer Thomas Chippendale's birth.

The Celebrating Chippendale: Otley's Famous Son festival begins at 6pm on Saturday, June 2, with a 'birthday party' at the Stew and Oyster pub.

The location, in the Old Grammar School building, was chosen because Chippendale is thought to have been educated there as a child.

The night will include a performance by local choir Sally’s Army, dressed in period garb, and a Chippendale-inspired quiz.

A special birthday cake has also been made for the occasion and Chippend'Ale beer, brewed by Briscoe's Brewery in Otley, will be served.

Subsequent attractions will include a valuation evening, talks, an antique faye, a concert and The Chippendale Trail - a guided tour of of spots associated with the cabinet maker's early life.

The festival has been organised by Visit Otley and its Chippendale 300 steering group, with financial backing from the Town Council.

Steering group Chair Lawrence Ross said: "We have tried to cater for all ages and interests for this special anniversary of Otley's most famous son, and June promises to be a great celebration of the 300th birthday of Thomas Chippendale.

"A specially commissioned flower bed will be laid this week in Wharfemeadows Park and the party starts at the Stew and Oyster on June 2.

"That will be followed by a concert, an 'Antiques Road Show', lectures about Chippendale's skills and kids' competitions as well as an exhibition of his life at the Parish Church, where he was baptised. "

Town Council Chair Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) is urging residents and visitors to make the most of it. He said: "It'll be a long time before the next big Chippendale anniversary, so do take the opportunity to get involved and learn more about Otley's most famous son.

"There are events and activities for all ages and tastes, from lectures to a birthday party and lovely music.

"Together with some of my council colleagues, I'll be getting into the spirit on our Chippendale themed float at Otley Carnival where you may be able to spot me dressed as someone famous!

"Huge thanks to the Chippendale 300 committee, chaired by Lawrence, who have worked very hard on putting the programme together, decorating the town and promoting the activities."

Other events will include in-depth talks - at Otley Courthouse - by Chippendale Society members and a demonstration of Chippendale's marquetry skills by Jack Metcalfe, one of the leading experts in reproducing Chippendale furniture.

Chippendale was baptised at Otley All Saints Parish Church on June 5, 1718, and a special concert, Musick for a Summer Evening, has been arranged to mark the 300th anniversary of the occasion.

The show, which starts at 7.30pm on Tuesday, June 5 will include a varied programme of 18th Century music performed by local artists led by soprano Joanne Dexter, with accompanist Pat Jordan.

Old Meets New - Making Chippendale Furniture on a 3D Printer, meanwhile will show how elegant chairs can be made using 21st Century technology.

Free to enter, the demonstration takes place at the Courthouse from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday, June 23 when specially commissioned Chippendale chocolates, produced by Patisserie Viennoise, will be available.

For full details of the festival programme visit www.visitotley.co.uk .