BATTLE OF THE UKE BANDS - SATURDAY 15th AUGUST
This year we're levelling things up. Bigger stage. Professional production. A buzzing festival crowd. Battle Of The Uke Bands is growing fast, and 2026 is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet.
Whether you're seasoned performers or just a gang of mates who love playing together, this is your chance to take to the iconic Mandela Hall stage and show everyone what your group is all about. It's all about energy, originality, crowd appeal and owning the moment.
And this year, thanks to our friends at Lisburn Music Centre, there's a fantastic prize fund up for grabs:
🏆 1st Prize – £700 Music Equipment Voucher
🥈 2nd Prize – £200 Music Equipment Voucher
🥉 3rd Prize – £100 Music Equipment Voucher
Every group will also receive a professionally filmed video of their performance to keep and share.
Not competing? Come and cheer from the crowd — the atmosphere is everything!
🎟 Entry for performers and spectators is just £10(included with Weekend Passes)
📅 Saturday 15th August 2026
📍 Mandela Hall, Queen's University Belfast
⏰ 11am – 4pm
Think you've got what it takes?
Strum up. Show up. Battle it out. 🏆🎶
THIS YEAR’S BANDS…
BANGOR UKES
Bangor Ukes are a group of ukulele players who meet in Fealty's in Bangor. Bangor Ukes have just celebrated their 10th Anniversary and regularly do performances and gigs for the long suffering people of North Down and ARDS!!
THE CRUKES
The Crukes Uke Band formed from a bunch of friendly people who met at the Corner Inn in Crossgar, strumming a bunch of songs to annoy the regulars with. After quite a few years of practice you'd think we'd be better but we are very much in it for the craic, the joy of belting out a few tunes and not for the inevitable fame and fortune.😊
NEWCASTLE UKES
Newcastle Ukes have been bringing music and friendship to the foot of the Mournes since 2019. Based in Newcastle, County Down, the group meets every Tuesday evening in O'Hare's Bar and prides itself on offering a warm welcome to players of all abilities. Whether you're strumming your first chords or have years of experience, there's always room to pull up a chair and join in.
RIOTOUS UKE A LADIES
Riotous Uke-a-Ladies are a lively group of friends from North Down who bring plenty of fun, friendship and personality wherever they go. With catchy tunes, harmonies and a cheeky sense of humour, these ladies aren't afraid to make themselves heard!
FOREST JUKES
Forest Jukes are a Dublin-based ukulele group from Swords, formed in 2024. Bringing together a mix of complete beginners and more experienced players (including those brave enough to tackle a Bm chord!), the group has quickly become known for their enthusiasm and community spirit. Having already performed at several charity events and recently competing at the Wexford Ukulele Festival, Forest Jukes are proving that it's never too late to pick up a ukulele and join the fun.
UKULELE CLUB LIVERPOOL
One of the UK's longest-established ukulele communities, Liverpool Ukulele Group has been bringing players together for many years through regular jams, classes, courses & events. Known for their warm welcome and lively spirit, the group has become a much-loved part of the ukulele festival scene and continues to inspire players of all ages and abilities with their infectious enthusiasm and sense of fun.
SOUTHSIDE STRUMMERS
Started in early 2021, the Southside Strummers are an eclectic group of players from Glasgow South and way beyond.
We're a good bunch of folks representing all of the generations, and bringing with them a super fun range of songs that keep us on our toes each week!
Each Tuesday, and led by Ukulele Saz, we meet in Shawlands Glasgow, and have a great time singing our songs, learning new tunes and making friends!
BELFAST UKULELE JAM
We're a friendly and informal group that meets every Wednesday at 7pm at the Deer’s Head in Belfast for a ukulele jam session. Everyone's welcome, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned player. Feel free to come by for a drink and enjoy the music, too. 😊
Besides our weekly jams, we also play at nursing homes, charity events, and community gatherings. We've even appeared at festivals like Sunflowerfest, St. Patrick's Day, Belfast Culture Weekend, Fiddlers Green, and various ukulele festivals.
R.H.U.B.A.R.B. Ukes
Formed in early 2024, R.H.U.B.A.R.B (Royal Hillsborough Ukulele Band And Regal Balladeers) are a group of ukulele enthusiasts who meet every Thursday evening at the Hillside Bar in Hillsborough. Our aim is to continuously push our musical boundaries across all genres of music to create a unique sound whilst having fun and craic with our friends. We perform across the country at corporate, community and private engagements to raise money for local charitable causes.
NO STRINGS ATTACHED
No Strings Attached Ukulele Collective is a vibrant community of ukulele players—both groups and individuals—who come together to perform from across Ireland as one collective. United by a shared love for music, performing and having craic, we use our performances not just to entertain, but to make a difference. Through our gigs, we raise money for charity, turning our passion for the ukulele into a force for good. We believe in the power of music to bring people together and support those in need.
BALLYMENA UKE GROUP
We're a community of mixed skill-level ukulele enthusiasts who enjoy playing, singing, and having a bit of craic together.
The BUGs are a group of uke players who come together to share our love of music and the ukulele. Our group is open to all ages and skill levels and we welcome anyone who is interested in learning how to play, or who just wants to come along and join in...even if you've never touched a ukulele before.
THE UKE LECALES
The Uke Lecales are a Downpatrick based Ukulele Band. We meet in Denvirs Hotel on a Wednesday night from 7-9 to sing and strum great tunes. We love new members - come and join us and learn to play the Uke immersively. All you need is a Uke - there are a few spare Ukes available if you just want to give it a try.
STRUNG OUT SISTERS
Strung Out Sisters are an all-female and non-binary ukulele group based in Northern Ireland, brought together by a shared love of music, friendship and having a bit of craic. The group has quickly built a reputation for lively performances, close harmonies and a warm, welcoming atmosphere both on and off the stage.
With a mix of popular songs, audience favourites and plenty of personality, Strung Out Sisters celebrate the joy of making music together and proving that ukulele groups are about much more than just playing chords – they're about community, confidence and having fun. Whether performing at festivals, community events or local venues, the Sisters always bring smiles and a few surprises along the way.
ORMEAU COMMUNITY UKES
Based in South Belfast, Ormeau Ukes are a friendly and enthusiastic group brought together by a love of music, laughter and the joy of playing together. With a varied repertoire and a welcoming spirit, the group has become a familiar face on the Northern Ireland ukulele scene, entertaining audiences at community events and festivals while always making sure there's plenty of craic along the way.
ALL AROUND THE UKES
All Around The Ukes is a truly international collaboration created especially for Belfast Ukulele Festival 2026. Led by Elisa from France, this unique group brings together players from different countries and backgrounds to perform as one band. With online tutorials, a love of 70s rock and a healthy appreciation for fancy dress, All Around The Ukes celebrates the friendships and connections that make the ukulele community so special. Proof that music really does bring the world together, one chord at a time.