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!
Ukulele Simon
Chris 'Ukulele Uff’ Workshop – Mastering the Twelfth Street Rag
Chris 'Ukulele' Uff is bringing a toe-tapping classic to the Belfast Ukulele Festival with his workshop on Twelfth Street Rag—a lively tune from 1914 that’s been a favourite among uke players since the roaring '20s.
This fun and hands-on session will take you through the ins and outs of the piece, with printed chords and instructions provided. But it’s not just about learning the notes—Chris will also dive into techniques like triplets, thumb rolls, and split strokes to help you add flair and make the tune your own.
Whether you’re new to these techniques or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop offers something for everyone. Expect plenty of tips, a bit of musical mischief, and a chance to play one of Chris’s all-time favourite ukulele tunes.
Come along, bring your uke, and get ready to ragtime like it’s 1914.
The Lava Birds
Harmony Heaven with The Mersey Belles – Featuring Mr. Sandman
Step into Harmony Heaven with The Mersey Belles for a heartwarming vocal workshop that celebrates connection through music. You’ll explore how to adapt melodies, shape vocal lines, and build gorgeous harmonies—no matter your level of experience.
This year’s focus is the dreamy classic Mr. Sandman, and who better to guide you than the Belles themselves? Have a wee listen to their beautiful version here:
👉 Watch on YouTube
You’ll pick up simple tools to harmonise with confidence, experiment with vocal textures, and maybe even try a touch of improvisation. Ukuleles are welcome to support the singing—but they're totally optional. It’s all about finding your voice, having fun, and making magic together.
🎵 All levels welcome – no experience needed
🎵 Ukes optional
🎵 Just bring your voice and a sense of adventure!
Ukulele Simon
Song writing with Emilie Lierre
Emilie will take you through her personal writing process—how ideas form, how lyrics take shape, and how to keep your creativity flowing. She’ll share practical tips, creative prompts, and insights to help you find your own unique voice. Whether you’re completely new to songwriting or have been scribbling lyrics for years, this workshop is designed to inspire and encourage.
There’ll be time for questions throughout—no query too big or too small—and the second half of the workshop is all about getting stuck in. You can work on your own piece with support from Emilie, or collaborate with others to write a brand new song about BUF.
Bring your notebooks, your pens, and your curiosity. All levels welcome. You’ll leave with something original, something personal—and something to be proud of.
Ukulele Saz
Feel the Beat – A Rhythm Workshop with Ukulele Saz
Want to give your strumming a bit more spark? Join Ukulele Saz for Feel the Beat—a fun, hands-on rhythm workshop designed to help you bring groove, soul, and energy to your playing.
Whether you’re just starting out or you've been strumming for years, Saz will guide you through simple but effective techniques to transform your rhythm and make your playing really stand out. You’ll explore how to add dynamics, texture, and variation to your strumming patterns—all in a relaxed, feel-good environment.
Expect laughs, lightbulb moments, and plenty of playing together. If your uke is ready to boogie, this is the workshop for you.
All levels welcome.
Jess Tuthill
Come on Down to Twinkle Town – Unlocking the Fretboard with Ukulele Saz
Feeling stuck in the third-fret comfort zone? It’s time to pack your bags and head to Twinkle Town—a fun, practical workshop designed to help you explore the ukulele fretboard like never before.
We’ll take your favourite go-to chords and reimagine them across the neck, discovering new shapes, voicings, and ways to add sparkle and sophistication to your playing. Whether you're arranging for a group or flying solo, these fresh techniques will bring a whole new dimension to your sound.
This workshop is perfect for players who want to feel more confident navigating the fretboard, break out of the usual patterns, and add a touch of magic to their arrangements.
Bring your uke, your curiosity, and a willingness to twinkle. Let's get adventurous!
Christopher Davis-Shannon
Strumming Techniques with Ukulele Uff
Chris’s second workshop at BUF is one that gets right to the heart of great ukulele playing—strumming!
In this session, Chris will share a range of essential strumming techniques that he believes can truly transform your playing. These are the very techniques that bring his own style to life, and now he’s ready to break them down and share the secrets with you.
He’ll deconstruct classic strum patterns step-by-step, showing how they work and where they can be used to add rhythm, energy, and character to your music. Some techniques might click instantly, others may take a bit more time—but everyone will leave with a clear understanding of how to use them effectively.
Whether you're looking to freshen up your rhythm or completely overhaul your approach, this workshop is your strumming springboard.
All levels welcome—just bring your uke and get ready to groove!