More than 70 bands to perform as Summer Strum Ukulele Festival returns to Hoylake

More than 2,000 music lovers are expected to descend on Hoylake this weekend as one of the UK’s biggest free ukulele festivals returns.

Hundreds of musicians, live performances across three stages and a packed programme of activities for all ages are expected to take over Hoylake this weekend.

Summer Strum Ukulele Festival takes place at Hoylake Rugby Club on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 July, bringing together more than 70 bands from across the UK and overseas for a weekend of live music, workshops, strum-alongs, open mics and family entertainment.

Now in its 13th year, the volunteer-run festival has grown from a small gathering of ukulele enthusiasts into a much-loved community event attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Since launching, Summer Strum has raised more than £30,000 for local charities, and this year’s fundraising will support Wirral Mind.

This year’s line-up includes festival favourites The Splintered Ukes, D’Ukes of Hazzard, The Ukuladies and Midlife Crisis Club, Ukulele Club Liverpool, the Travelling Wannabes, and The Secret Ukulele Band. 

Also on the line-up the Pandemic Pluckers were born out of an on-line community set up during lockdown, and Brain Frog are a rare non-ukulele act for the festival, made up of the Summer Strum’s dedicated crew of volunteer sound engineers.

One of the stories that captures the spirit of Summer Strum is that of The Sisters of Mersey, who will headline on Saturday night following The Splintered Ukes’ main stage set. The band was formed through the festival, with members who had little or no previous performance experience given the opportunity to take to the stage, grow in confidence and develop as musicians.

The group now returns as festival headliners for the first time, with members ranging in age from 14-year-old Ruby to performers in their 60s – a reflection of Summer Strum’s belief that music is for everyone.

Visitors can enjoy performances throughout the weekend, but Summer Strum is also designed for people to join in, with strum-alongs suitable for players of any age or ability, and open mic sessions giving musicians the chance to take part.

The festival programme includes beginner ukulele workshops, a mouth organ workshop where participants can learn before performing together at the festival, and lino-printing sessions where visitors can create designs on festival bags or bring their own T-shirt to customise.

Returning by popular demand is the energetic Power Ballad Workout from Yin Yan Wellbeing CIC, while families can enjoy inflatables, face painting, stalls selling food, crafts, clothing and jewellery, raffle prizes and this year’s fancy dress theme: “At the Musicals.”

Festival organiser Sara Cassidy said:

 “Summer Strum has grown into something far bigger than we ever imagined. What started as a gathering for people who loved playing the ukulele has become a real community festival where thousands of people come together every year to enjoy music, make friends and be part of something special.

“The amazing thing about the ukulele is that everyone can join in. You don’t need to be an experienced musician – people can pick up an instrument, come along to a strum-along and immediately feel part of the festival. “Every year we see people arrive as strangers and leave with new friends. That sense of welcome and belonging is what makes Summer Strum so special. It’s a festival created by the community, for the community, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Hoylake.”

Sara added:

“We’re so proud that alongside creating such a joyful weekend for visitors, Summer Strum has raised more than £30,000 for local charities. This year we’re supporting Wirral Mind, and we’re so grateful to our volunteers, sponsors, performers and everyone who helps make the festival happen.”

Summer Strum Ukulele Festival takes place at Hoylake Rugby Club, Carham Road, Hoylake, CH47 4FF, on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 July.

Find out more information on Summer Strum Ukulele Festival website.

Find more music events across Liverpool here.

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