A village hall in the Eden Valley is looking for sponsors and supporters to make sure its first major event of 2026 is a great success.

Maulds Meaburn Village Institute (MMVI), just 12 miles south of Penrith, is hoping to hit their target of welcoming more than a hundred people through its doors as it looks to raise as much money as possible to go towards the future upkeep of the hall.

The management committee of the community venue run entirely by volunteers, are welcoming people of all ages, and from far and wide, for the fun filled charity race night next week.

It's the first of a series of events as the halls volunteers look to have a bumper year of fundraising activities to help futureproof the scenic village hall, which overlooks one of Britain's most idyllic village greens.

Several local businesses and private individuals have already pledged to help the event through sponsorship and various other forms of support, but the committee still needs more support to make sure the night is worthy of the effort being made by its small band of volunteers.

Pete Button, chair of the MMVI trustees and management committee, is excited for the event.

He said: "We're looking to start the year with a bang, and make sure our first event of 2026 is a great success in order to set the tone for the rest of the year.

"We've got a refreshed committee with several new faces joining over the last few months so it feels like a really exciting time for the hall, as we look to make a rejuvenated effort and become a hive of activity, not just for people in the village but also those who enjoy supporting local community efforts all across Cumbria.

"Please book a ticket, buy a horse, give it a funny name, and come along to help be part of the fun on the night."

The Charity Race Night, which will take place on the evening of Friday 23rd January, will include eight horse races which people can make a range of small fun bets on. Whether individually, part of a group or through a business, people will be able to also sponsor and name a race, and/or own and name a horse. The owner of the winning horse of each race will also receive a prize.

Barbara Wallis, MMVI's booking secretary, is hoping people both from the village and elsewhere across the Eden Valley and the wider county, will turn out to show their support.

She said: "I'm one of several who have recently joined the village institute's committee, and it's a really positive time for the hall, and the village as a whole.

"We're looking to have a big surge in the variety of events at the hall, as well as the number of people who are coming along. It doesn't matter whether you live in Maulds Meaburn, or have never been to our wonderful village before, please come along for a night of light hearted fun.

"Thank you to the handful of businesses and individuals that have already agreed to sponsor and support the event, it's been a great start and hopefully we can add a few more sponsors ahead of the big night."

Alongside the races, there will also be a raffle on the night with a range of exciting prizes including a meal for two at a local restaurant.

All proceeds raised from the event will be going back towards the hall (a registered charity) and efforts to improve and maintain the facility for the local areas use. A guest BBC sports commentator will also be involved as a compere on the evening.

Doors and the bar open at 6:30pm with races set to take place between approx. 7:15pm and 9:15pm. The event is expected to finish at around 9:30pm, and people are advised to bring cash.

Entry will cost £5, and there will be a range of cold bar snacks available alongside drinks on the night.

To book an early entry, enquire about sponsoring the event or a race, or own and name a horse, then please contact the MMVI committee on MMVI.publicity@gmail.com or call 07738-686-320 to ensure you don't miss out. Tickets will also be available at the door on the night.