Leeds Otley Run revellers surprised by choir performance
“She has woven all those things into a song which is catchy and witty and really gives a good picture of the complexity of what is the Otley Run”
Revellers enjoyed a surprise performance from a choir outside two of the busiest pubs on the route in fancy dress costume.
The Otley Run Complaints Choir performed songs inspired by the Leeds neighbourhood’s love-hate relationship with the infamous pub crawl.
It is part of a research project led by the University of Leeds which aims to engage Otley Runners with a song about the effects on the local community.
Dr Anna Douglas, is a lecturer in the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies at the University, is leading the project.
Dr Douglas, who was born-and raised in Headingley and also leads the Otley Run Action Group, said: “We did vox pops with people to find out why they so much love doing the Otley Run. Then our genius singer-songwriter Nicky Bray has woven all these different ideas together, some of which actually conflict each other, some of which are quite antagonistic ideas, people not all agreeing. She has woven all those things into a song which is catchy and witty and really gives a good picture of the complexity of what is the Otley Run.”
The complaints choir was started by two Finnish artists in 2005 and since then the movement has grown with more than 160 across the world.
It aims to bring together different perspectives – expressing the joy and fun of the Otley Run, as well as residents’ concerns.
The Otley Run Complaints Choir has worked with a group of residents, including students, long-term residents, local business owners and University of Leeds alumni, to discuss their thoughts and ideas around the Otley Run.