UKULELE players from across the UK are set to descend on Warwick Racecourse as it plays host to a festival of music.
The Spa Strummers are to hold their fourth annual Great Midland Ukefest on Saturday July 9. More than 2,000 people are expected to attend the popular family event organised by the Leamington-based group.
The entertainment will kick off at 11.30am when the festival is officially opened by Warwick Mayor Christine Cross.
A total of 15 ukulele bands and soloists will then take to the two main stages to entertain the crowds during the afternoon.
There will be mass busks for ukulele players between the main acts throughout the day, and guests are invited to join in with the sing-alongs.
For children, there will be a play area with a bouncy castle, didi cars, face painting and balloon modelling as well as a children’s magic show in the marquee.
There will be a host of stalls as well as ukulele workshops, and variety of food and drink will be available.
The fun is then set to then continue in the evening with a variety show and an open mic night held in the marquee from 8pm to 11pm.
Dave Jenkins, from the Spa Strummers ukulele group, said: “We have outgrown our previous ‘Leamington Ukefest’ venue where we have been for the past three years.
“This year we have the main concourse area and buildings at Warwick Racecourse which has fabulous facilities.
“Ukefest is a fun family event which is always well attended, and we’re hoping that this year’s festival will be just as successful.
“This year’s festival will be supporting the Air Ambulance Service, the racecourse’s chosen charity for the year, which will have a stall at the event.
Advance tickets are priced at £4 and include a free programme and a raffle ticket for the grand draw. Tickets are £5 on the day, with the gates opening at 11am, and entry for children aged 16 and under is free if accompanied by an adult.
Visit www.warwickracecourse.co.uk for tickets and further details.
A pre-fest knees-up featuring open mic sessions and performances from headliners Peter Moss, Chonkinfeckle and Andrea Cooke will also be held in the marquee from 7.30pm on Friday, July 8. Entry is free and all are welcome.
Visit www.spa-strummers.co.uk for more on the group.
