BATTLE OF THE UKE BANDS.
COULD YOU BE THIS YEAR’S WINNERS?
SUNDAY 17TH AUGUST
BATTLE OF THE UKE BANDS - 11AM - 4.30PM @ 2 Royal Avenue
BOTUB IS BACK!
Think your band, duo, or group has what it takes to win glory, honour, and the coveted BOTUB trophy? Then we want to hear from you!
Now in its second year, this high-energy showdown is one of the most anticipated events of the festival – and we’re officially calling for entries!
💥 Got stage presence?
🎸 Got the skills?
😎 Got the pride?
Then bring it on.
Each act will perform up to 10 minutes to wow the crowd and impress the judges. Whether you’re soulful, silly, slick or all three – we’re looking for creativity, musicality and a whole lotta uke love.
To enter, email us with your group’s name, a short bio and any links you’d like to share.
Need inspiration? Check out last year’s amazing winners, The Uke-Lassies, in the video below!
Do you have what it takes to be crowned BOTUB champion 2025? 🎉
WINNERS!!!!!
THE UKE-LASSIES
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UKE-LASSIES who were judged to given the finest performance in Battle Of the Uke Bands by our lovely guest judges The Lava Birds!
The Uke-Lassies, a dynamic all-female ukulele quintet from Belfast. Usually performing together with their colleagues in the Belfast Ukulele Jam, this is their first outing as a group. They are inspired by a diverse tapestry of Irish and Scottish musical artists and love a high energy performance!
THE OTHER BANDS….
BANGOR UKES
Bangor Ukes are a group of ukulele players who meet in Fealty's in Bangor. We are together over 8 years 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.😊
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!
THE UKULELE SISTERS
Last August, a group of women, some solo and some with friends, joined a Ukulele class by Training For Women Network (TWN). They quickly bonded over music, forming friendships regardless of age or skill level. Whether they've been playing for a year or just a few weeks, they all enjoy playing and singing together. The group, known as the Ukulele Sisters, grows in confidence and supports each other with camaraderie and emotional support. Their weekly gatherings are filled with laughter, music, and soul-soothing fun.
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.
ANCHOR UKES
Anchor Ukes are based in O’Hares bar in Newcastle, County Down, and meet every Tuesday night for a session that sometimes runs long into the night! They play any tunes they can find notes for and perform at local festivals and events.
All levels of ukulele players are welcome, so whether you're a newbie or a pro, you’ll be welcome to join the fun!
BALLYMENA UKULELE 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.