CHRIS Sherrington and Chris Tuke are celebrating their fourth anniversary of taking over the Fulford Arms in York by staging four nights of "some of the best bands and artists that have graced the venue during their tenure" from tomorrow.

Since January 2014, the two Chrises have transformed the Fulford Road pub into a regular music and arts venue, first by redesigning the entire pub, building a designated performance area and improving facilities.

They have since added to these improvements with the sound system from the now closed Duchess, in Stonebow, plus new lighting and audiovisual equipment "to rival any large music venue", along with creating an urban beach in the outdoor space. This week they will launch a new coat of arms for the pub.

York Press:

A typical night at the Fulford Arms: fans stage a pile-up as Mothcob play. Picture: Charlee Ramsey

"At the heart of the Fulford Arms is a desire to help support the local music scene, as well as to bring national talent to York and provide a community centre to help inspire and drive local arts and culture," says Sherrington.

"Being an independent venue has its struggles but, as the venue owners, we've have had the freedom to make changes to help improve both production quality and support a variety of performances.

"The transformation of our unused kitchen into a snug and games room has meant that people can get away from the noise and excitement of the main gig room and enjoy a quiet pint and a game of bar billiards, a traditional pub game that the Fulford Arms,along with a number of local drinking places, has helped to champion over the last few years."

York Press:

Beautiful plumage: The Vexed at the Fulford Arms. Picture: Charlee Ramsey

Although they have stopped serving food daily, a partnership with York On A Fork has seen a wide variety of York street food vendors take over the outdoor space and urban beach as part of their Streetfood Sundays. "This will continue into 2018 and we're looking to partner up with more local groups to best make use of the space, which already hosts science lectures and will be relaunching cinema nights in the Spring," says Tuke.

"We feel that the space we have here offers itself to being more than just a place for people to enjoy a drink and we're looking forward to helping support any local community groups that are looking for a space, as well as continuing to work with excellent local promoters such as Please Please You's Joe Coates, Dan and Naomi Gott, Chris Jones, Simon Pattison and Aaron Brown to bring the best musical talents from across the globe to York.

"Whether it's live music, community events, cinema, traditional pub games or just a quality pint or gin and tonic, the Fulford Arms is proud to be entering its fourth year and continues to expand and develop as a key part of York’s cultural offering.

"The birthday celebrations start tonight with a bar billiards competition but then kick off in earnest tomorrow evening for four nights of free entertainment featuring 25 bands from across Yorkshire who have all played at the venue in the past four years."

York Press:

Blue note: The Nosebleeds, from Leeds, all suited up for their Fulford Arms show. Picture: Charlee Ramsey

Taking part tomorrow will be Dr. Philosofunk; Borderline; Neuschlaufen and The Thing. Friday offers Velvoir; The Blueprints; Ten Ft Tom & The Leprosy Crooks; Boss Caine; Dead Drummer and French Exits.

Saturday serves up Viewer; Naked Six; Soma Crew; Percy; Flora Greysteel; A Short Dark Stranger; Fat Spatula; Meabh Mcdonnell and Jonny Gill.

Sunday concludes the celebrations with Petrol Hoers; Bull; Pat Butcher; Void Ship Captains; Snakerattlers and Washing Machine Repairman.

For more information on upcoming shows or to become involved in developing the community events at the pub, contact Chris Sherrington on 07429 529626 or email thefulfordarms@gmail.com