Four-day Galway ukelele festival begins on Thursday

THE Galway Uke Fest will see the festival's long-time favourite artists Noriana Kennedy and Mad Uncle Harry after 14 years.

The annual four-day festival runs from tomorrow (Thursday) to Sunday and is a celebration of ukulele music that brings performers and visitors from across Ireland and beyond to Galway city.

Along with the Golden Uke Competition, Festival Clubs and open mics, this year’s festival will also have an expanded Festival Hub in Fr. Burke Park.

The hub is free to enter for anyone with or without attending tickets and will feature a dedicated market, a bar, free live entertainment, play-alongs, food vendors and community activities.

“One of the things that has always made Galway Uke Fest special is the way the festival spills out into venues and pubs across the city,” said Festival Director Gerry Savage.

The yearly growth of the festival meant that capacity was becoming an increasing challenge, something that will be solved through the Festival Hub, according to Gerry Savage.

“The Festival Hub has given us the space to bring more of the programme together while still maintaining that city-wide feel,” he said.

The 2026 festival programme combines concerts, workshops, competitions and free performances that will be held across the city. It features an impressive line up of artists including Charlie McGettigan, The Henry Girls, Ukulele Simon, Marc Gallagher, and Southern Beauty.

One of the highlights of the Galway Uke Fest will be a special album launch and reunion performance from Noriana Kennedy and Mad Uncle Harry. They reunite for the first time on stage in 14 years tomorrow to celebrate the release of their new album in what promises to be a memorable and emotional opening concert.

The launch of new Amble-lele, an evolution of the festival’s flash mob, will see hundreds of ukulele players make their way through Galway’s Latin Quarter.

Several workshop programmes will also offer participants the opportunity to learn directly from some of the festival’s most experienced performers and educators.

Since launching in 2018, Galway Uke Fest has grown into one of Ireland's leading ukulele festivals, attracting visitors from across the country, the UK, Europe and beyond.

For full programme and ticket information, visit: www.galwayukefest.com.