A Dales pub bought by the community after a major fundraising campaign reopened in time for a village’s biggest day of the year.

Muker Show took place last Wednesday, and thanks to the commitment of villagers, show day was able to start with Muker Silver Band having their traditional drink at the Farmers Arms.

The pub has been bought by Muker Community Benefit Society following two share offers which brought in investment from as far afield as New Zealand and the USA.

(Image: RICHARD WALLS)

Richard Walls, vice chairman of the society, said they had test nights at the Swaledale venue last Monday and Tuesday, which went well, and the pub was able to open at 9.30am on show day for the band’s traditional drink, which drew a large crowd. The band then walked in procession to open the show at 10am.

(Image: RICHARD WALLS)

“It was a cracking day, much like old times, with last orders called at 11pm,” said Mr Walls.

“During the day we were staffed by a team of volunteers, some experienced and some new, who all came together at short notice and every one of whom did a superb job. It was lovely to once more spend Muker Show night in the Farmers and there was huge amount of goodwill in the air.”

(Image: RICHARD WALLS)

The society is hopeful it has a tenant lined up to take over this month, but now is opening on a drinks-only basis on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7pm, and for darts nights on a Wednesday. “If we can open during the day before the tenant arrives, we will,” said Mr Walls.

(Image: RICHARD WALLS)

“If I had to provide a magic moment, it was on Monday night walking up to the pub. The door was open, and I could hear the sound of chatter and laughter from inside the pub. It’s a sound I’ve not heard coming from the Farmers in four years. If I could have bottled it to sell, I’d make my fortune.”