Southdowns Ukulele Festival 2026
It is held in a large marquee (which can accommodate 200 people) on Waterloo Square in Bognor Regis.
It has, over the last 8 years, been able to book many of the top performers on the ukulele circuit and has provided the opportunity
for many local Ukulele Jamming Groups to perform to the public. There are also Open Mic sessions and several Free Workshops for
absolute beginners and experienced ukulele players.
The Mission of this Festival is to be 'Free To All' so totally relies on funding from Local Authorities, Businesses, Fund Raising Events and Public Donations. The Festival organisers hope you will come and enjoy this fantastic event this year which will feature performances from The Hedge Inspectors, Pebble Beach Band, Only Ukes, The Mighty Lemons and many more.
View the full Ukulele Festival 2026 Programme (subject to change) and information on the Ukulele Festival 2026 Workshops.
The Hedge Inspectors
The Hedge Inspectors, Mike and Caroline Hayllor, are an acoustic duo based in Hampshire who play original songs and unique covers on ukulele and bass guitar. Their songs move from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again, with subjects derived from 'true' situations and the human condition.
Hosts of the award -winning 'unplugthewood' jam and open-mic , they thrive on audience participation, so expect to be singing along with them.
The Mighty Lemons
The Mighty Lemons are an all-singing, all-swinging ukulele rock band playing a mixture of classic and current pop songs on fun size guitars. And a Theremin. And drums. And keyboards. And a brass section (sometimes).
This is the perfect fusion of great music and light hearted humour.
Since forming in 2015 they’ve been spreading ukulele love and their special brand of entertainment to many events across the south.
Come and dance, sing-along, or just tap your toes to classics such as Paradise City, Uptown Funk, Fat Bottomed Girls and many more.
BIG sound, tiny guitars. Proof that size isn’t everything.
Only Ukes
Ukulele quartet Only Ukes strum and sing music from the 1920s to the present day. Formed in 2019, the Berkshire-based band has performed in closed concerts, festivals and events. The distinctive blend of their different-sized ukes combined with
close harmony singing has gained them Facebook followers around the world. With their mixture of pop, rock, country and folk covers, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Sputnik Weazel
Sputnik has released 24 original albums and played at 1000's of venues and festivals across Europe. He’s busked with Eddie Izzard, jammed with the Jools Holland, and supported everyone from Showaddywaddy to Alice Cooper. His original songs are streamed worldwide and have been aired at the Sundance Film Festival and on BBC Radio Two, Three, Four & Radio Wales. From 2011-15 Sputnik performed with The Men They Couldn’t Hang.
"Sputnik is engaging... thought provoking and just downright good." (Steve Kelly, The Cellar, Cardigan)
The Ukettes
The Ukettes are four friends; Angie, Judy, Carol and Ruth based in Fishbourne. They first got together in the summer of 2023 and have met most weeks since then. They have played at events in Fishbourne, North Mundham and Emsworth and are
thrilled to have been invited to perform at the Southdowns Ukelele Festival 2026.
Pebble Beach Band
The Pebble Beach Band were formed in Bognor Regis in 2018 and aim to provide you with a wide range of songs, with the emphasis on fun and entertainment. They have all retired from full time employment so spend their time doing things that they enjoy, like singing and learning to play their instruments. They mostly play ukuleles but also include other instruments to complement the music.
They also host ukulele jams at the Waverley public house and other locations in their home town of Bognor Regis. Everyone is welcome to come and join in. For several years the band have also been starting new players on their ukulele journey via their ‘Making Your Mark’ beginner sessions.
39 Frets
Dave Suich and Steve Ball aka 39 Frets are both experienced musicians and have decided to team up and combine their
musical talents. Dave is best known as one of the original members of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain which was formed in 1985. He has also performed with The Missing Puddings and The Whelkz. Steve is our old friend from The Stevedores and has played with various bands including Skinny Malinski.
Saturday 12th September (10.00 to 11.00) Beginners - Richard Hales
Ukulele Marquee, Waterloo Square
We have been very lucky to get Richard to run classes for beginners at the Southdowns Ukulele Festival over the last few years. Many of these ‘beginners’ have gone on to join their local ukulele clubs and continue to play and have fun with the ukulele.
Ukuleles available to borrow.
Saturday 12th September (10.00 to 11.00) Song Writing – Hedge Inspectors
RAFA Club, Waterloo Square
The Hedge Inspectors are amazing entertainers and musicians. Humour and talent abound in this fab duo and they love passing on their skills to others. They also run great ukulele jams!
Mike and Caroline are well known for composing and performing their own songs, many based on life experiences. Come along and let them pass on their know-how for you to do the same.
Sunday 13th September (10.30 to 11.30) Lead Playing and Finger Styles – Mark Thomas
Ukulele Marquee, Waterloo Square
Mark is a passionate musician with over 30 years of experience in both playing and teaching. He runs a weekly Ukulele Club in Bracklesham Bay where students learn together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Move on from strumming on all songs to playing lead solos and riffs and also learn some finger styles.
Sunday 13th September (10.30 to 11.30) REM Songs – Jon Wheeler
RAFA Club, Waterloo Square
Jon has been playing, teaching and working in the grassroots music scene in Sussex for many years. He’s a full time, self-taught musician and tutor who’s enjoys passing on his skills and experiences. Here’s your chance to add some more skills to your playing.
Jon is a member of REMbrandt, a 100% live R.E.M. tribute band. Explore some of their songs with a deep dive into ‘Losing My Religion’.
Sunday 13th September (10.30 to 11.30) Taking Up The Ukulele – Dave Landreth
At the Beachside Brew
Dave is one of the founder members of the Pebble Beach Band and has played bass and percussion as well as the ukulele with the band. He has been starting absolute beginners on their ukulele journey at the Waverley pub for the last few years and transitioning them into the main afternoon Waverley Jam sessions.
If you’re looking to gain new skills and confidence by learning a simple affordable instrument here’s your chance! You can go on to join many like-minded others playing popular songs in a friendly group environment. The emphasis is always on having fun!
Ukuleles available to borrow.
