Feast your eyes on the amazing bands and performers that played Summer Strum in 2023!
Stay tuned for 2024 band application to open after Christmas...
And this year we have Summer Strum Festival
in Hoylake July 19th - 22nd and a
Spring Fling in Rainford May 25th - 26th.
Summer Strum legends The Splintered Ukes are back to headline this year's festival with their eclectic mash-ups and fabulous floor-fillers. Never before have 3 ukes, a drum kit, a bass and the enigma that is the 'bag of noise’ created so much fun!
Famed for their versatile covers, Splintered Ukes leap from Bruno Mars to Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones to Amy Winehouse, climaxing with Queen and Candi Staton.
So much fun to watch… singing and dancing along is a must!
The Major Plus
Now we are really spoiling you as Liverpool 4-piece The Major Plus take the Sunday night headliners spot for the first time. Expect everything from 80s pop to dance anthems from this awesomely-talented quartet and there's even a saxophone in the mix somewhere!
They will also be leading the mass festival-farewell-strum-along from
18.50 on The Main Stage.
Find the strum-along songs here >
The Funky Ukes
The Funky Ukes headlined at Mini Summer Strum in July 2021 and have played several festivals over the last year or so. Their set list ranges from Blondie to Al Wilson, together with a few original songs. Strong vocal harmonies, a solid rhythm section and a combination of acoustic and electric ukes make up their unique sound.
Catch them at festivals throughout the year.
Northern Ukes
Bringing their tight melodic harmonies and eclectic mix of music to the main stage, Northern Ukes love music from the from 60's, 70's 80's and 90's. AND there are rumours that this 7 piece ukulele band from the Sefton area of North Liverpool may be "lifting you higher" with a 50 piece choir!
Small Town
Splitters
The Small Town Splitters , are a three piece from the Scottish Borders - a rock covers band with a difference! They play a mix of rock, punk, classics and even the odd bit of pop in their own style. They thrive on playing live and like to think they can prove that a little ukulele can really rock!
D'Ukes of Hazzard
Firm favourites on the ukulele circuit, The D’ukes began as a group of UCL graduates and have collected folk from the pub along the way. They will be leading the morning strum-along on Saturday at this year's festival. Their infamous jams, held every Thursday at Ma Egerton’s, are open to anyone who wants to play the uke and sing songs. Fun is 100% guaranteed.
The Bowie Ukes
With foundations cemented firmly in fun & friendship, this Liverpool band of 30+ play lively sets reflecting their mix of ages and musical tastes.
Having played at festivals and gigs for the last 5 years, they now help to run the Summer Strum & can be found practicing at The Halfway House every Tuesday. They welcome anyone who wants to come and join in.
Secret Ukulele Band
Have been playing music for more than 200 years (between them). At one of their gigs, you will hear Soul and Motown classics next to up-tempo Country, by way of Led Zeppelin and high-octane Rock and Roll mash-ups. They recently stormed the amazon download chart with an original song they wrote for Marine FC.
Ukulele Club Liverpool
Based in the heart of Liverpool, UCL was founded in 2012 and comprises of ukulele players of all ages and abilities. With a repertoire of over 100 songs from the 1920s to the 2020s, UCL will have you off your seats dancing and singing along.
Get your glo-sticks ready as the Monastry of Sound takes you on a nostalgic journey deep into 90's rave. Smack bang in the middle of Friday's open mic sessions, this band will play classic anthem after classic anthem that will have you big-fish-little-fish-cardboard-boxing like there's no tomorrow. But there is, so save some energy for the rest of the weekend!
The Monastery
of Sound
Howdy !!
This li’l ole band just rode in from Texas on their trusty steed to be with y'all at this years Strum .
So far they’ve gotten as far as Scotland but reckon they’ll have made it down to Rainford by July with their bearded brand of rockin rhythm n blues . These boys might look strangely familiar ……. Or they might just look a little strange !
See Y’all at The Strum folks . 😎
Tres Hombres
Uke Tok
UkeTok is an online uke club with members all over the country. They usually meet over the internet to play together, thanks to some marvellous technology. They'll be bringing their own euphoric and accessible style of play-along jam to the festival on Saturday morning, using a songbook that looks like karaoke. What better way to get everyone warmed up for an amazing weekend?
You can get the music to play along by clicking here >
Alison Benson
Alison is a singer/songwriter and ukulele player. She is also the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2019 winner. Her debut EP, Paths & Stories, was released in 2021 and she can be found performaing at festivals & gigs across the UK. In addition to her stellar performances, Alison will be running a songwriting workshop at this year's festival to let you into the secrets of her success.
With his uke, Sebastien (aka Sebukulele) plays his self-penned French/Japanese infused songs. He has played in many places & festivals in France, the UK and Japan. He has made 3 LPs - Citrus Depressa (2017), Les jours heureux (2018) and Le voyage aux milles voluptés (2020).
Sebukulele
Nana Funk
Photo by Mark Lycett courtesy of Secret Circus
Nana Funk is a singing songwriting whoknowshowoldarian who shows that being awesome transcends age. Nana brings together music, improvisation and clowning to create her own versatile and unique style.
Anne Renaud
Anne Renaud is a happy ukulele player from Paris, who enjoys performing pop-rock covers. She played at the Ukulele Festival of Marseille and at the Anako scene in Paris.
Liverpool Ukulele Orchestra
The Liverpool Ukulele Orchestra are an established band who have been in existence for over 10 years, having started as the Rock & Roll Society. Based at the Conservative Club in Huyton, they meet every Wednesday from 8 pm.
MAD Ukes
Formed in 2015, Maghull And District Ukes is a community ukulele group of around 50. Friendly & welcoming, they meet each Friday in Maghull Baptist Church Hall. All players are encouraged to participate in public performances.
The Leftovers
The Leftovers serve up a tasty mix of original songs celebrating life's rich tapestry & the sparks that connect us. Christine, Debs, Mark & Robin were 'leftovers' from the YinYanBand and they're going to spice up your life!
They will also be hosting the Yoga workshop at 11.30am on Saturday in Lorna's Craft Tent.
Ma Machetes
The Ma Machetes are a fierce, female lead ukulele band based in Liverpool. They produce empowering original songs and cover songs from all eras in their own unique style. They are a force to be reckoned with and can be booked for all of your celebrations.
A 6-piece, formed at Crosby’s Stamps Bar Ukulele jam night, where they play an eclectic mix of rock n roll, blues, country and soul. Named as a nod to one of the best super groups that ever lived (in their humble opinion), they all hail from Sefton, except Vinny, who is dead posh and lives on the Wirral.
The Travelling Wannabes
Anne et
les Loups
Having smashed it at various venues around France, Anne et les Loups are bringing their gorgeous voices and beautiful energy to this year's Summer Strum. They've even been writing new songs! Definitely one to look forward to.
The Corner Laughers
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The Corner Laughers are an original indie-pop and folk-pop band based in the San Francisco Bay area. Their five albums, plus solo records and side projects, have received rapturous reviews and international airplay. At Summer Strum, they will be playing an acoustic lineup.
Ukelele Eric
Deciding on a whim about 8 years back to start learning an instrument, Eric took up the uke. He’s now busked and played in various situations. He enjoys older music and comic songs, but plays a wide variety of music from all sorts of genres and eras.
It was the summer of love when Buzz Cadillac, Clare Corvette and Bobby Buick met in a Garstang scrapyard. Over two glasses of wine and a bottle of coke they discovered their shared passion for playing the ukulele and singing out of tune. Now, after 50 years of practice they have mastered Dirty Old Town and are ready to play the ukulele circuit.
The band’s ambition is to live together in the same nursing home.
Buzz Cadillac and the Lightning Rods
Midlife Crisis Club
Midlife Crisis Club are a trio comprising of Dave (uke/vocals), Stu (Bass/vocals) and Si (drums).
They are from the Wirral and play a mix of 80's and 90's indie covers with a few originals too.
Cross Border Blues Revival
A duo with an enthusiasm for blues music.
The Walkeleles are a fun lovin', raucous band from Dublin. At an age when inhibitions (and sometimes dignity) take a back seat, the Walkies are out to help you find your inner happy, clappy self through the medium of ukulele. Get ready for bangers spanning two centuries, from artists as diverse as Gorillaz, McFly, Nutini, Beach Boys, Yazz & The Cure. We can't wait for this noisy, badly drawn rainbow (also known as the 5th best ukulele band in Dublin) to hit Summer Strum's main stage this July.
The Walkeleles
The Pandemic Pluckers is a band of misfits from around the world. Formed by accident during the nightly Zoom Ukulele Jams, they forged a lifelong friendship for each other and the love of the ukulele. Last year they gave Summer Strum a massive injection of fun. Can't wait to see what they get up to this year.
Pandemic Pluckers
The Uke-Stars
Enthusiastic and eclectic, The UkeStars began life as a community ukulele group based in Alt Valley Community Trust in Croxteth. Strumming together for just under a year, The UkeStars aim to spread joy and music wherever they go.
F’uke Fighters
Midnight Special
Midnight Special are a group of music enthusiasts playing a combination of original material and covers of Modern, Country, Rock and Americana classics.
Ukulele Buddies
Ukulele Buddies hail from Ainsdale and play unconventional songs and mash ups with a twist. In 2022 they played their debuts at Summer Strum, Parbulele for Ukraine and BUFF. They now play regular gigs across Merseyside including one alongside Berni Flint (Opportunities Knocks).
Stringalong
This 7 person band hail from Southport, where they have a residency at The Guest House Pub. With ukes, bass, harmonica and percussion, their music ranges from roots & folk to pop & blues.
Maggie's Misfits
Exactly what it says on the tin! They are ALL misfits and they are lead by Maggie!
Lots of fun.
Ukes Alive
Formed in 2016, Ukes Alive play at various festivals, private parties & fundraisers. They promote the ukulele as an instrument that helps to get children involved in music – one of the ideas behind their creation of the Parbulele ukulele festival.
Fabulous solo artist performing at Summer Strum for the first time.
Billi Sunshine
Formed in 2019, this group of new and experienced players has grown to nearly 60 members who meet on Friday mornings.
They play a wide selection of songs they enjoy. A core group of 14 members charity fundraise for local causes and enjoy adding new songs to stretch the group.
Heswall
Ukulele Group
Palacefields
Ukulele Group
The P.U.G are made up of 20 members who had never played a ukulele before and now they can't stop! It all started 6 years ago through the Wellbeing Enterprise Scheme.
Preston Ukulele Strummers Society
As the name would have you believe, this group of ukulele enthusiasts hail from Preston and they cannot wait to dazzle with their first Summer Strum performance.
Northwich Uke Club
Northwich Uke Club formed in 2021 and now have over 35 members. They perform hits by The Killers, David Bowie, Blondie, R.E.M and The Foo Fighters and have played several festivals. Still they can't wait to return to the mighty Summer Strum!
Formed 4 years ago to provide pensioners a place to learn ukulele at the Lee Jones Centre in Vauxhall. They have played several festivals and charity gigs including World Uke day 2019, BUFF and Parbulele.
Whitewood
Ukulele Club
Ormskirk Ukulele Band offers a welcoming environment for people to develop their ukulele skills and enjoy meeting up to play. They are stalwarts of the ukulele circuit and are very much looking forward to returning to perform at Summer Strum this year.
Ormskirk Ukulele Band
A fairly new group based in Heywood, near Rochdale. Formed as an activity for the wellbeing centre and surviving the pandemic over zoom, now 20 of them are enjoying being back to playing live sessions.
Heywood
Ukulele Band
Chester Ukes
Chester Ukes have been around for 11 years and hosted the very first incarnation of the Summer Strum in Chester. They regularly play local events in the Chester area & have 24 members.
The Ukuladies
Ukuladies are a 5 piece uke band of lifelong friends who have been playing together for just under a year. They sing and play songs which shine a light on female songwriters and musicians from the 1960s to the present day.
The Quay Notes
This band of like-minded players play for fun and for charity events. Based at the Lock and Quay Community pub in Bootle, the band is available for hire for gigs or private parties. Their music ranges from old 60s and 70s classics through to modern pop.
The UkuLaLas
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A diverse group of friends who started performing together 5 years ago. With varying levels of musical experience they come together with a lively vibe! No George Formby but some surprises.
Lostock Ukes
Forming in Lostock Gralam, Northwich in 2016 they have steadily grown in number, confidence and technique in their short life to become, possibly, the most-fun ukulele group in the district!
During 2022 we played for 81 organisations including 14 performances in 11 days over the Queen’s Jubilee.
Linacre Ukulele Club
Formed in 2017, the club's aim is to teach and enjoy the ukulele. With around 21 strummers each week, they cover a wide range of songs from all genres & styles. Ranging from 20-80 in age, beginners are always welcome and laughter is the norm.
BUG Band
B.U.G BAND are a fun-loving band that can suit most occasions, playing music from the 50's & 60's.
Ukellas
A group of friendly individuals who love music and enjoy meeting up every Monday from 5pm to 7pm at Brookvale Community Centre. They play an eclectic mix of songs and are always happy to try a new tune. Formed in 2018 they always welcome new players, including complete beginners.
Tickety Boo
Tickety Boo are a duo consisting of Elaine & Erica who are in loads of other ukulele bands too!
The Barkla Buskers Ukulele group
The Barkla Buskers hail from Widnes, where they have played many community gigs over the last five years. All pensioners who love to play weekly, they have performed at Sefton Park Bandstand and onThe Antiques Roadshow.
Wild Pear
Wild Pear are a duo who have performed at Hoylake Summer Strum. As well as playing, they will also be feeding all you strummers with their delicious idli and chai.
Close Enough
Helen Maw & Ged Lloyd, having played ukulele for a number of years, have joined forces to form a brand new duo with an exciting set of songs that the crowd can enjoy and sing along to. They've played at previous Summer Strum's and are excited to be playing again this year!
Northerners by Nature
Northerners by Nature are a three piece ukulele band who enjoy playing lots of different genres of music from Rock and Pop.
Naive Melodies
Naive Melodies is a St Helens-based duo formed in 2022 having met at Ukulele Club of Liverpool. Their music
encompasses many genres from Northern soul, alternative, new wave, classic rock and pop.
Kit Luc
Kit is a solo artist who is looking forward to performing at Summer Strum for the first time this year.
Teulu
Playing an eclectic set of originals and covers, Teulu comprises composer B and vocalist Jane who care passionately about supporting grass roots live music venues which bring so much to their communities. They are sometimes joined on stage by their daughters.
Junction Ukulele Group
The Junction Ukulele Group was established 9 years ago & meet every Thursday at the Junction pub, so Summer Strum is on their manor! They have played every year at Bickerstock festival.
Lockdown Ukes
Formed during lockdown, Lockstock Ukes have been performing together since 2022 and are delighted to be playing their first Summer Strum. They perform regularly at Liverpool's Strawberry Fields & played at BUFF 2022.
M62s
This band refused to let lockdown stop them practicing and so they took to the underpass under the motorway and the M62s were born! Hailing from many different bands on the ukulele circuit, this will be their first Summer Strum performance as the M62s.
Yooks
Based in Southport, this band have fun playing all genres of music for charities and audiences around the Merseyside area.
Ukey Blinders
Established in 2022 from existing members of the Junction Ukulele Group, Ukey Blinders have done a couple of local gigs. They are REALLY looking forward to playing at Summer Strum this year.
Rolly
Also a member of Preston Ukulele Strummers Society, Rolly is branching out into a solos set too this year.
Steve Jones
Previously of Wirral Ukulele Fanatics before going rogue, Steve is just a 50 year old bloke with a uke and a harmonica. He plays what could be described as a musical path less trodden.
The EasyBees
The EasyBees are made up of a pinch of Pandemic Pluckers, a dash of Travelling Wannabes with a little D'ukes of Hazzard thrown in for good measure.
Performance Schedule
