Ukefest comes to Skipton for second successful event

Starting tomorrow and running until Sunday the festival will include performances and workshops.

Workshops will take place on Friday evening, on Saturday, and on Sunday morning, and will include something for everyone from beginner to accomplished player.

Those leading the workshops will include Chris McShane one of the foremost tutors in the North, and will cost £5.

Headlining the performances will be Greg Simister performing on Saturday at 8pm. Originally from the Wirral, Greg started playing the uke at nine years old and has now an accomplished player with 15 years experience. As well as a solo performer, he also acts as frontman and lead singer for the rock group, Low Winter Sun, based in Liverpool. Specialising in the George Formby style split stroke, Greg's set covers George’s hits as well as old sing alongs, popular songs from every era and instrumentals all performed on the ukulele or banjulele.

Often performing with backing Singer Sonja Mckinnon, his set ranges from 'Leaning on a Lamp post' to 'Here comes the sun' and even an instrumental of the William Tell Overture.

Skipton's own U3 Ukulele Group will be performing on Friday at 8pm, and as their name suggests, are made up of three ukuleles. Formed in 2013, having met at the Skipton Ukulele Club, they play an eclectic mix of music from any era as long as it is fun to play and to listen to.

The boys have appeared at a number of places in the area, and have built up a positive following. They take the ukes, add some vocals, throw in a dollop of fun and a pinch of mayhem and the result is not to be missed.

There will be a grand finale to the festival when five groups - from Otley, Haworth, Keighley, Preston and Bolton, will be performing from 12:30 to 3:30 pm.

Throw in an open ukulele mic on the Saturday lunch time and there is a wide variety with something for everyone. For more details of performances and bookings for workshops contact Derek Stansfield on 0745 0191561