IF you are looking for a special day out with a difference why not try the next big event at Taurus Crafts; the third annual Ukulele Day this Sunday 12th August, open from 12pm until 5.30pm with free entry and free parking.

The day features a live performances from a great range of ukulele groups from the Forest of Dean and surrounding area.

Entertaining the crowds on the day will be; Gloucester Strings, The Old Night Train, Ukes uv Azzard, The Pukes and the Buskuleles of Usk.

New for this year, there will be a ‘Mass Jam’ led by Ukulele expert Mat Stead, so bring along a ukulele and join in the fun!

Alongside the live music will be a mini market, featuring an eclectic mix of antiques, collectables, vinyl records, music paraphernalia, award winning local ‘Best in Gloucestershire Cider’ from McCrindles and local beer from Bespoke Brewery. In addition to the delicious food available in Taurus Crafts café the catering team will be running a barbecue using local burgers and grilled haloumi.

If you fancy trying your hand at playing a ukulele, Lydney Music School will be providing free taster sessions, so you can discover your hidden musical talents and join in the fun. Plus keeping the kids entertained is no problem as they will be able to ‘make a Hawaiian Lei necklace’ at a free workshop.

Ukulele Day is free to enter, and the music will be under cover, rain or shine so the bands will play on!

“The Mass Jam Session is going to be great, its new to the event and we are excited to have Matt Stead on board as compere and leading the jam session. It will be like a ‘live lesson’ where anyone with a ukulele to hand can join in. Matt is a local ukulele legend and has taught hundreds of people in the area how to play, it’s great to have him on board,” said Tom Haverly Marketing and Event Manager at Taurus Crafts

“It really is all things ukulele at our Ukulele Day – you can watch a ukulele band, join in with the mass jam, buy a ukulele from the mini market, have a free taster session with Lydney music school.

“So come along with a ukulele and join in the buskers arena and finally why not make your own Hawaiian Lei necklace for free,” he added.