Meet The Artists
Opera-lele
Get ready for something a little bit different…
Opera-lele are an internationally acclaimed duo who take the worlds of opera, musical theatre and classical music… and give them a gloriously unexpected ukulele twist.
Made up of classically trained performers George Bartle and Mandi Harkett, Opera-lele combine stunning vocals with sharp comedy and the unmistakable sound of the ukulele. The result? A show that’s equal parts jaw-dropping and laugh-out-loud funny.
Since bursting onto the scene with a standout festival performance (and promptly stealing the show), they’ve gone on to captivate audiences across the UK and internationally — from theatres and festivals to some very unexpected venues along the way.
Expect big voices, brilliant musicianship, and a healthy dose of mischief. Whether you’re an opera lover or couldn’t tell your aria from your elbow, Opera-lele bring something truly unique — and properly entertaining — to the stage.
We’re absolutely delighted to have them joining us at this year’s Belfast Ukulele Festival… and trust us, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq.
If you like your ukulele with a side of sharp wit and zero filter… you’re in for a treat.
Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq. is a viral, ukulele-toting troubadour who’s been delivering his own brand of singalong musical comedy since 2016 — blending clever songwriting, dry humour, and the occasional gloriously sweary anthem.
His breakout hit “I’ve No More F**s To Give”* racked up millions of views online and helped launch him onto stages across the UK and beyond, with a string of albums and a reputation for brilliantly funny, sharply observed songs about modern life.
Expect catchy tunes, big laughs, and lyrics that hit just a little too close to home. Whether he’s poking fun at life, getting older, or just trying to make sense of it all, Thomas brings a show that’s equal parts comedy, music, and crowd-pleasing singalong chaos.
We’re absolutely buzzing to have him join us at this year’s Belfast Ukulele Festival — and if you don’t leave humming one of his songs, we’ll be genuinely surprised.
Check out his website here for his videos, music and more!
Bringing a touch of warmth, storytelling and pure musical beauty to the festival, we’re absolutely delighted to welcome Claire Hastings.
Claire is an award-winning Scottish folk singer, songwriter and ukulele player, known for her beautifully natural voice and her ability to completely draw you into a song. In 2015, she was crowned BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year, and has since become a standout name on the folk scene.
A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Claire has gone on to perform at major festivals across the UK and internationally, as well as appearing alongside artists such as Lulu and Jamie Cullum and performing with leading orchestras.
Her music weaves together traditional, contemporary and original songs, all delivered with a real sense of heart and storytelling — the kind that gently pulls you in and keeps you there.
Whether she’s performing a haunting traditional tune or one of her own beautifully crafted songs, Claire brings a calm, captivating presence that offers a perfect contrast to the high-energy moments of the festival.
We’re so excited to have her with us this year — expect something truly special.
Claire Hastings
Emer Maguire
Emer needs no introduction!
Friend of the festival, MC extraordinaire, and now TV star - Emer has been capturing audiences province-wide with her wonderful blend of musical humour, extreme sharp wit and educational banter. She’s back again this year to keep us all in check, introduce the acts and give us a bit more of her craic!
Emer will be MC’ing at the BIG GIG on Saturday night and hopefully popping up over the rest of the weekend!