A music-mad farmer whose annual charity concert the Barn That Rocks has become one of the most popular events in the Dales has reached his £100,000 milestone.

After a two-year delay, Peter Fall sold all 800 tickets for the concert in three days, and on Saturday the tenth event was hailed a huge success with many in the audience already trying to book tickets for next year.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Peter. “I must admit I cried when I was thanking everyone, it was such an emotional time after everything we have all been through. It was amazing people turned out in force and we had a long list of people for return tickets.”

The special guest was Gwen Meggison, who is 100 in a fortnight, and with the youngest guest aged eight, the Barn That Rocks has proved it is a special attraction for all age groups.

Gwen said: “I was really looking forward to coming, it’s my first time but I was determined to come along and have a dance. I have known Peter a long time, he is a wonderful man and the Barn That Rocks has become a huge event in Wensleydale.”

Peter added: “I am absolutely amazed, I wasn’t sure how it would go because for a lot of people these are difficult days and money is tight but it was brilliant. I am very very proud, the four bands were excellent and to have Gwen here nearly 100, it just goes to show it's for all age groups.”

Money raised will go to the Friends of the Friarage in Northallerton. Final counts are ongoing but Peter is sure it will be well over £10,000 which means over the past ten years the Barn That Rocks has raised more than £100,000 for local charities.

He started the event after going to a funeral and meeting old friends, who all complained that the only time they got together was for sad occasions. That prompted Peter to launch the annual concert in the barns at the family's farm at Patrick Brompton, near Bedale, which restricts him to 800 tickets.

The four bands on stage were the Replicants, STAX, The Fix and Bang ! Bang ! Bang.

Peter added: “There are so many volunteers who come along on the night and help out, it’s humbling and I really want to thank them. I think people were desperate to have a good time after everything that has happened in the past two years, and they certainly did.”

Peter has already arranged next year's event, which has been fixed for July 24, 2023.