A WURZEL tribute band is playing at the grand re-opening of the Royal Oak in Nailsea this weekend.

The High Street pub, which is part of the John Barras chain, has been closed for two weeks following a £160,000 refit.

The Mangledwurzels are playing live from 7-11pm on Sunday as part of a Big Weekend of fun, food and music.

The pub officially reopens at 5pm on Friday, promising a future programme of live bands on alternate Saturdays and karaoke once a month on Sundays.

It has also installed a selection of old-fashioned and modern pub games like spin-the-wheel, toss pot, bill-the-till and rock 'n' roll bingo, and has special offers on shots as well as introducing a new range of cocktails and pitchers.

The refit included new HD TVs, furniture, fitted bar and updated toilets.

The kitchen also has new equipment and there will be meal deals running all day every day.

Since the early 19th century the Royal Oak has been serving the people of Nailsea and among its first customers nearly 200 years ago were the cider drinkers from the next-door glassworks.

West County legend Adge Cutler who was employed for a time at Coates cider factory along the road was a regular and The Wurzels first album Live At The Royal Oak was recorded in the bar in November 1966.

Mangledwurzels spokesman Hedge Cutter said: "We are excited to be making a historic pilgrimage to the birthplace of Scrumpy & Western music on Sunday night."

The Somerset anthem Drink Up Thy Cider was also recorded at the Royal Oak.

Hedge added: "For a band like ourselves, it doesn't get much better than playing live at the Royal Oak.

"It will be an honour to sing Adge Cutler's songs in the pub where it all started, and to tread on the same boards as he did.

"My only regret is that Adge couldn't have been here to do it himself, although I hope he'll be there in spirit."