Workshops
Join us at the Belfast Ukulele Festival for workshops for all levels—from total beginners to seasoned strummers. Led by top-notch tutors, you’ll sharpen your skills, try new techniques, and jam with fellow uke lovers. Chords, strums, harmonies, writing, good vibes—we’ve got it all!
The Big Band with
Opera-lele
Join George & Mandi from Opera-lele for a fun and creative workshop exploring how to turn a simple song into a full-blown ukulele ensemble arrangement! Working together as a group, you’ll take a well-known tune and divide it into up to five different musical parts, discovering how layering rhythms, fingerpicking patterns, melodies and harmonies can completely transform a performance.
Along the way, you’ll learn more about arranging for groups, building dynamics, and adding texture and musical interest to make your songs sound bigger, richer and more polished. If you’ve ever listened to another ukulele group and wondered how they create that “full band” sound — this workshop is for you.
A knowledge of a few basic chords is recommended, along with a willingness to try some fingerpicking and experiment a little. Tab reading is helpful but absolutely not essential. Best suited to intermediate players or adventurous beginners looking to stretch themselves a bit.
Bring your ukulele, a sense of humour, and get ready to make some glorious noise together!
Sunday 10AM@ The Store House, Belfast (Temple Court, 39 North St, Belfast BT1 1NA)
Songwriting Workshop with Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq.
Join Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq. for a fun and engaging workshop exploring the art of songwriting — from first idea to finished tune. Together, you’ll look at lyric inspiration and development, song structures, chord progressions, melody writing and basic time signatures, while discovering how simple musical ideas can be turned into something memorable and uniquely your own.
There’ll also be tips on finding comfortable singing keys, experimenting creatively with your ukulele playing, and building confidence in your own musical ideas. Drawing on his years of writing and performing original songs, Thomas will share practical techniques, creative approaches and plenty of encouragement along the way.
Whether you’re interested in writing comedy songs, heartfelt ballads or simply want to become more creative with your playing, this relaxed workshop is suitable for all levels — no previous songwriting experience required. Just bring your ukulele, your imagination, and a willingness to give it a go!
Sunday 11AM@ The Store House, Belfast (Temple Court, 39 North St, Belfast BT1 1NA)
Sing, Strum & Harmonise with Claire Hastings.
**SOLD OUT**
Come along and lift your voice with Claire Hastings in this fun and welcoming 45-minute workshop exploring the joy of singing and playing together.
Known for her beautiful tone and engaging performance style, Claire creates a relaxed space where everyone can feel comfortable joining in — no matter your experience level.
Through a mix of easy harmonies, group singing, and gentle ukulele accompaniment, you’ll explore how voices and instruments can come together to create something really special. Whether you’re a confident singer, a nervous hummer, or someone who usually hides behind the uke and hopes for the best, this is a great opportunity to build confidence, connect with others, and enjoy the simple joy of making music together.
Sunday 12PM@ Upstairs at the Deer's Head
⚠️ Accessibility notice: The upstairs room is accessible by stairs only. Unfortunately, there is no lift access.
Break Free from the Chord Chart with Mike Yip.
Unlock the Ukulele Fretboard with the CAGED System
Led by Mike Yip, a dedicated music educator with over 20 years of teaching experience.
Feeling confident with open chords but getting lost the moment you move up the neck? No more flipping through chord dictionaries every time a Bb, Ebm, or another confusing chord appears. Come and discover clear patterns, smart shortcuts, and the hidden logic behind the ukulele fretboard. This practical workshop is designed for intermediate ukulele players who want to stop relying on chord encyclopaedias and start understanding how chords really work. Using the powerful CAGED system, Mike will show how familiar chord shapes can help you find major, minor, and dominant 7th chords in any key, anywhere on the ukulele. Perfect for players ready to move beyond beginner territory and unlock a whole new level of confidence.
Sunday 1PM - Upstairs At The Deer’s Head
⚠️ Accessibility notice: The upstairs room is accessible by stairs only. Unfortunately, there is no lift access.