Otley to host 'mini-goose' treasure hunt and Morris dancing trail this Easter Monday
The Wharfedale Wayzgoose are returning to the cobblestones of Otley this Easter - and they’ve brought some hidden feathered friends along for the ride.
The sights and sounds of traditional West Yorkshire will take centre stage this Easter Monday (April 6), as the Wharfedale Wayzgoose Border Morris group leads a vibrant festive trail through the heart of Otley.
Known for their energetic style and striking costumes, the group is set to turn the town’s bank holiday into a rhythmic celebration of spring.
This year, the Wayzgoose are not alone. They will be joined by the spectacular 400 Roses, a nationally renowned Appalachian North West side, and 't Thorns, ensuring a diverse display of percussive dance, clashing sticks, and live acoustic music that promises to echo through the town's historic alleyways.
While the dancing provides the soundtrack, a unique scavenger hunt is already underway for the town’s younger residents; in a quirky tradition that has become a firm local favourite, dozens of tiny mini-geese have been hidden at strategic points along the performance route.
Families and eagle-eyed adults are encouraged to scout the trail in the days leading up to Easter Monday.
Anyone lucky enough to bag a goose can bring their find to the dancers during the performances to exchange it for one of the group's highly coveted ‘Honk’ badges.
It’s a clever way to keep the kids engaged as the troupe moves between venues, turning the afternoon into a town-wide treasure hunt.
A celebration of Otley’s heritage, the route has been carefully selected to showcase some of the town’s most beloved spots, from historic coaching inns to modern engineering marvels.
The day begins at the popular Bowling Green in New Market, providing a bustling start to the festivities. From there, the group moves to the traditional surroundings of The Cross Pipes, one of the town’s oldest pubs.
After a midday break, the troupe will head to Mill Way, performing against the unique backdrop of the Archimedes Screw - the town’s hydro-electric turbine on the River Wharfe. The day will reach its crescendo at the Horse and Farrier, where the dancers will perform a final grand finale at the top of the town.
The Easter Monday Schedule:
- 11am: The Bowling Green, New Market – The opening ceremony and first dance.
- 11:45am: The Cross Pipes – A lively mid-morning session.
- 2pm: Mill Way (By the Archimedes Screw) – Riverside dancing with a view.
- 2:50pm: The Horse and Farrier – The grand finale and final badge exchanges.
As the sides walk between venues, they invite members of the public to follow the procession, soak up the atmosphere, and perhaps even join in a ‘honk’ or two.
The event is entirely free to attend, offering a perfect, low-cost way to wrap up the Easter weekend in the Wharfe Valley.