[VIDEO] Bulimba | Here’s Why You CAN’T Miss This Upcoming Event

Author Shannon Edwards // Place Bulimba

Fun Fact: Did you know the name “Ukulele” means “jumping flea” in Hawaiian?

What’s even more fun is our discovery of numerous ukulele groups around Brisbane dedicated to their love of playing the four string instrument.

Many of these fantastic groups will be gathering this October to join in on the (potentially revolutionary) Bulimba Uke Fest hosted at the Bulimba Golf Club.

With a great line-up of professional acts as well as amateur Uke groups from Brisbane to Maleny, you’re invited to join in on all the fun – who knows, you could be there performing with them next year!

As a sneak peek of what's to come, we sat in on a rehearsal of ‘The Cage’ ukulele group, who showed us just how fun playing (and watching) can be.

We spoke with the event coordinator, Sandra Beynon, about the inspiration behind the event.

Where did the idea come from?

As a supporter of the Bulimba Golf Club I suggested to the general manager, Danny Underwood, that it might be fun to have a Uke Fest at the club.

I thought the golf club would be the perfect location for this type of event as the club itself has a strong demographic of families.

I guess the idea came about because I'm a hopeless serial music entrepreneur - just can't help myself.

I have a greater vision of the festival growing to become a big part of the Bulimba events calendar, possibly conducted in the park on Oxford Street – you’ve got to have a vision!

I want the festival to be a real family day, with something for everyone at every age and stage.

The Uke Fest is not only set to be a day of fun, but the festival is also donating to The Pyjama Foundation to help with their mission of supporting children in foster care.

Supporting The Pyjama Foundation is something important to our major sponsor, Shannon Harvey from Place, and myself. We will be donating 25% of all profits to The Pyjama Foundation so it’s not only going to be a great day, but it’s also for a great cause.

What can we expect to see at the festival?

Banda, soloists, adult and kids Uke groups, hula dancers, kids craft workshops, Uke workshops, pineapples and more pineapples!

The theme is Hawaii so I'm thinking there will be a few colourful shirts around the place too! Who doesn't like to put on a floral shirt and lei?

I'm very excited about the fun and vibrant atmosphere of the day!

With so much darkness and suffering on the news, I want to have a day full of colour, music and happy smiles.

What is it that makes the Ukulele so special?

Ukuleles personify fun and community spirit.

They are a small and cute instrument that evoke a spirit of gentle beauty.

They can be cradled against one's bosom like a baby, even children can manage their way around the small neck.

They are inexpensive and highly portable.

Playing in a group is so much fun and as human beings we are a tribal bunch, making music together is as natural as breathing.

If more people played music together there would be less war.

To be part of the Uke Fest, purchase your tickets HERE.