OTLEY is gearing up for its big day of traditional, pre-Christmas fun.

The 2016 Victorian Fayre takes place on Sunday, December 4 when the town centre will be transformed into a bustling, pedestrianised festive zone.

As always, the 31st fayre will feature stalls selling everything from Christmas gifts and tombola prizes to mulled wine and hog roast.

There will also be a variety of street entertainment, including carol singing from school and adult choirs, Punch and Judy shows and fairground games and rides.

Top hats and bustles will also be on show as many of the stallholders, plus local publicans, shopkeepers and visitors, don period costume.

And the Otley Courthouse organised lantern parade which - with its eye-catching dancing hermit crab, giant fish and drummers - proved such a hit last year will be back again.

Otley Victorian Fayre Chairman Steph Lee said: "The fayre provides six hours of true family entertainment and fun.

"I am so very proud to lead the volunteer team who help to make this event possible.

"It is boosted this year by members of the newly formed Otley Town Team.

"The fayre is a huge success story for Otley and goes from strength to strength."

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West), who enjoys wearing Victorian attire on the day, added: "The Otley Victorian Fayre is a wonderful event that brings many people into Otley as well as being something enjoyed by residents.

"There is always a great atmosphere and stalls, food, drink, entertainment and lots of people sporting Victorian outfits.

"This year's fayre will be the 31st, so thanks to the hard work of Steph and her team of organisers and volunteers who do a great job putting on this very impressive event.

"It is a lovely pre-Christmas celebration and is also a boost for local businesses.

"As ever, I’m very much looking forward to it."

The fun begins at noon on Sunday and runs until 6pm, with the lantern parade - featuring local children carrying the lights they have made - set to leave Otley Courthouse as night falls.

The fayre, which attracts many thousands of visitors each year, was first held in 1985 and organised by Otley Chamber of Trade as a way of boosting the local economy ahead of Christmas.

It grew in popularity so fast that, after a couple of years, the chamber passed on the organising duties to a voluntary committee and then, a few years ago, it was handed on to Otley Town Partnership.

For more details visit victorianfayre.co.uk .