Sunday, July 6, sees the return of Chester's own free ukulele festival in the Northgate Quarter of the city.
During last year's festival, attended by nearly 3,000 people, Northgate was taken over by hundreds of these small, but highly popular ukuleles, with dozens of bands and ukulele clubs performing over three stages.
The popularity of the ukulele has risen hugely in recent years and has begun to replace recorders in schools as the first choice of instrument to teach children.
Chester Ukulele Players group leader Dave Cunningham said: “We are inundated with people wanting to take up the ukulele, it’s such a social instrument that anyone can enjoy playing no matter what their age or ability, it just takes practise.”
This year’s aptly named Summer Strum will offer live music over two outdoor stages,with performances from the fabulous Mersey Belles, The Wirral Ukulele Orchestra and many more.
There will be ukulele workshops available, ukulele stalls and much more.
Event organiser Sarah Goulden said: “The best part of the day is our mass ‘Buskulele’. We have hundreds of ukuleles all playing along together. It’s a sight and sound not to be missed.
“This is a real audience participation event, we want everyone to feel they are part of something fun, whether they are playing, singing or just clapping along. It’s a great free family day out.”
The day kicks off at noon in Abbey Green with the Chester Ukulele Players and will run on until late.
For more details visit the website www.summerstrum.co.uk.
