BUF ‘26 — WEEKEND SCHEDULE
(please note, events may be subject to change of time / venue…but we hope there won’t be too many changes!)
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL FRIDAY & SATURDAY IS OVER 18’S ONLY - Sunday is an all-family day!
FRIDAY 14th AUGUST
3PM - 5PM — Meet & Greet @ Mandela Hall (+jam & open mic) - Upstairs in the Student’s Union Bar Venue
Collect your weekend passes, say hi, mingle with the artists, BUF crew and fellow ukers. Share a tune in a jam session. Weekend Pass holders only.
7:30PM–Late — Ukulele Cabaret @ Mandela Hall (£20 or free with weekend pass)
Big Jam, open mic, silly games, prizes & MC Lucy Morgan keeping the chaos flowing. Bring your uke, your pals & your best party mood! (Songbook coming soon)
Doors open 6:30PM
SATURDAY 15th AUGUST
11AM–4PM — Battle of the Uke Bands @ Mandela Hall (£10+bf or free with weekend pass)
Whether you’re stepping on stage or just there to soak it all in, you’ll need a ticket to be in the room – and trust us, you’ll want to be there.
Expect big energy, bold performances, and plenty of moments that’ll have the crowd cheering, laughing, and maybe even joining in. This isn’t just a competition – it’s one of the highlights of the whole weekend.
Doors open 10:15AM
7:30PM–Late — Big Saturday Night Show @Mandela Hall (£25 or free with weekend pass)
The main event! Winner of Battle of The Bands, Claire Hastings, Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq., Opera-lele and maybe a bit of dancing! Hosted by Emer Maguire.
Doors open 6:30PM
SUNDAY 16th AUGUST
9.30AM–10.30AM — Ukulele Breakfast @ The Deer’s Head
Come join us for breakfast bap and kick off the day in style! - Location TBC
10AM - 1:45PM - WORKSHOPS
10AM - 10.45 Opera-lele at The Store House (Temple Court, 39 North St, Belfast BT1 1NA - just across the road from The Deer’s Head)
11AM-11.45 Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq. at The Store House (Temple Court, 39 North St, Belfast BT1 1NA - just across the road from The Deer’s Head)
12PM-12.45 Claire Hastings upstairs at The Deer’s Head
1PM-1.45PM Mike Yip upstairs at The Deer’s Head
1PM-1:45PM - Beginners Workshop - At the BIG FISH SCULPTURE - (Donegall Quay, Belfast BT1 3NG)
2PM - 3PM - THE BIG JAM- At the BIG FISH SCULPTURE - (Donegall Quay, Belfast BT1 3NG)
3:30PM - 4:30PM -
- Special Whistle-stop 'Musical Women of Belfast' Walking Tour – for the Belfast Ukulele Festival (NEW!)
3.30PM - 5PM - The final Jam - Outside at The Deer’s Head
💙 Keep an eye on the website for updates & ticket links. Bring your uke, your mates, and buckets of craic — let’s make this the best BUF yet!