| HEADLINE ACT FOR FRIDAY
30TH JULY (20.30 TO 21.45) |
HEADLINE ACT FOR SATURDAY 31ST JULY
(20.30 TO 21.45) |
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| FRIDAY 30TH JULY 2027 |
MAIN STAGE |
| Meet & Greet |
FRIDAY 12.00 to 14.15 |
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FRIDAY 14.30 to 15.15
2Ukes
2Ukes are a Shrewkfest favourite, they have been with us from the
start and give us a huge amount of support with their fantastic fun
playing outlook you will find them fun and friendly.
They have been performing together for nearly twelve years
and have a lot of followers on YouTube and facebook
They play Oscar Schmidt ukuleles most of the time and have written a
number of great songs .
They are from the Midlands .
"We are great friends and don’t take life too
seriously.
We like fun joyful songs, good jokes and a laugh.
We enjoy socialising and we also teach ukulele and run a local
Monday Uke group.
Life is rich in many ways.
If you ever see us busking etc please come and join us"
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FRIDAY 15.30 to 16.15
Lobsters
Returning for a second time after a very well received 2026 debut we
have: Lobsters
"A lively ukulele duo delivering an eclectic mix of songs spanning
decades -from vintage classics to unexpected modern gems.
Charming, surprising and always entertaining."
It all began on 21st August 2023.
A duo from a trio, from a seven, from two large ukulele bands.
We've both been playing for twelve years.
We needed a name. "Lobsters" came from a twist on Arthur Daley's
catchphrase "the world is your lobster" and it stuck.
We're the fish kind, not the TV programme "Friends" kind.
We both bring something different to the sound. Carol does fancy
bits and Jon, clunky. Our voices work together - and the result?
Lobster Magic!
No local uke bands were playing what we play or how we play it - and
they're still not.
We played our first open mic three months after starting and we
haven't looked back.
We're very much looking forward to playing Shrewkfest 2027 |
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FRIDAY 16.30 to 17.15
Mark Stivvy
Mark arrived in the ukulele world in 2018 with a barely audible
squelch.
Since then he's continued being a nuisance, playing his self-penned
songs up (and sometimes down) the country, and has even bothered
recording some of them.
EPO1 was released in 2023, L1301 landed in 2026 and he continues
unabated with LP02,'Bumps & Cracks (same shizz, different tunes'),
available this year from all good merch tables.
Mark has become one of our Shrewkfest family, having played last
year with the band 'The Rhubarb Thieves' and previously several
times as a solo artist and we are very happy to see him returning
once again in 2027. |
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FRIDAY 17.30 to 18.15
Ukulele Saz
Ukulele Saz 'The Force of the North' is a Scotland-based ukulele
teacher, performer, and community builder with over 11 years of
ukulele teaching experience and a lifelong passion for teaching that
began at age 15.
Founder of Southside Strummers and Rainbow Ukes, Saz performs solo
and with Glasgow disco-funk ukulele band Katabatic Bloom, runs a
popular YouTube channel and tours festivals and ukulele groups
delivering high-energy workshops that build confidence and joy in
music-making.
In 2025, Saz appeared on the cover of Uke Magazine and won Ukies
Personality of the Year.
We are very happy to see Saz appearing for a second time at
Shrewkfest 2027. |
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FRIDAY 18.30 to 19.15
Phil Doleman
Phil is no stranger to Shrewkfest, having appeared many times and
we're thrilled to welcome him back once again.
Phil’s love of vintage blues, swing, and jug band music shines
through as he blows the dust off obscure old songs and gives new
life to classics.
With just his big voice and his ukulele he'll take you back to the
speakeasies and juke joints of 100 years ago.
“Massively entertaining" Blues Matters
“Genuinely good-time music from ukulele stalwart” fRoots
Phil has travelled all over the UK and to Europe and the US
performing and leading workshops at festivals, theatres, and clubs.
He has performed on BBC radio and TV, and shared stages with some of
the world’s finest players.
He is a regular contributor to Uke Magazine, has composed pieces for
the London College of Music ukulele grades, and is the author of
several books including “How Music Works On The Ukulele”, "How Songs
Work On The Ukulele", and "The Blues Ukulele Tool Kit".
The Phil Doleman signature model soprano ukulele is produced by
Millar Ukuleles and World of Ukes. |
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FRIDAY 19.30 to 20.15 Paul Mansell
Paul is an author, performer and ukulele teacher and one of the few
people in England to have an honours diploma on the Ukulele from the
Victoria College of Music.
Paul headlines at many of the ukulele festivals in England as a
performer and instructor and is a regular contributor to Uke
Magazine.
As an author Paul is signed to Kevin Mayhew Ltd and has published 6
books on Ukulele ; including teaching books and books on playing
classical music on the ukulele.
Paul was the first ukulele player to ever feature on the cover of
BMG (Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar) Magazine and has played live on The
BBC.
Paul’s original compositions are featured in the Ukulele Exam
Syllabus for both VCM and ABRSM exams.
Paul’s debut album ‘Me, My Ukulele & I’ on KM Records is a mix of
classical and contemporary pieces all played on the solo ukulele.
We are very happy to see Paul appearing for a second time at
Shrewkfest 2027. |
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FRIDAY 20.30 to 21.45 Opera-lele
We're so excited to welcome Opera-lele back to Shrewkfest for a
third time
The internationally renowned duo Opera-lele has rapidly established
itself as one of the most original and exciting musical acts in the
world.
Opera-lele is an award-winning unique comedy music act specialising
in
performing music from opera and musical theatre accompanied by the
emotionally powerful yet understated twang of their ukuleles!
Comprising classically trained musicians George Bartle and Mandi
Harkett, Opera-lele has captivated audiences worldwide with their
innovative performances and humorous approach to classical music.
In 2015, Opera-lele burst onto the music scene with a Main Stage
festival performance.
The audience was stunned and excited by what they saw and heard.
Opera-lele received a standing ovation and were described by many as
the hit of the festival.
This success propelled them into the spotlight, leading to numerous
performances at festivals, theatres, churches and even private
islands across the UK and beyond.
The duo's international appeal has taken them to various countries
including Poland, Austria, Finland, Czech Republic, Ireland and
Germany.
Their performances have been featured at the Canterbury
International
Arts Festival, Music on the Marr Festival, Halesworth Arts Festival,
Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival, South Downs Folk Festival, and
nearly
every ukulele festival in the UK including Shrewkfest of course!
They have toured extensively around the UK with their critically
acclaimed full-length theatre shows 'Access All Arias', 'Licence to
Trill' and their 'Opera-lele Christmas Show'.
In 2017, they were voted 'Breakthrough Ukulele Artist' by the
readers of
UKE Magazine, in 2023 were runners up in the 'Ukies Awards' in the
Best
Duo/Band catagory, and in 2024 they won the award!
“Opera-lele brought the house down with their clever and
thoroughly
entertaining show! Simply brilliant.” Matthew Wetmore, director,
Halesworth Arts Festival.
“Opera-lele is like nothing you’ve seen before. Brilliantly funny
and
supremely talented. Bravo!” Camilla Hastings, The Queen’s Hall
Theatre.
"Audience members and artists alike actually begged for them to
return.
Opera-lele is truly one of the best acts in the ukulele world." Mary
Agnes
Krell, director, A Grand Northern Ukulele Festival.
"Vocal virtuosos Opera-lele stole the show for me with a
heartwarmingly funny yet totally professional performance that
brought the
house down." Christine Turner, UKE Magazine
“A solid, brilliant, well rehearsed, well written, smart, funny,
charming,
professional and incredibly well performed show.” Mike Hind,
International Ukulele Soloist.
www.Opera-lele.co.uk |
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FRIDAY 22.00 until late
Not Quite Dead Yet
Not Quite Dead Yet are a Shrewkfest Institution - they have been
with us from the very beginning and we love to see them back every
year closing the show on Friday night and getting us all dancing!!
They started out in 2015 when 3 old punks from the West Midlands
discovered they had ukuleles that they never played.
"It started out as a bit of fun to entertain ourselves but has now
escalated somewhat!
In the beginning we were playing just Punk songs, but now we just
play songs we like.
We started practicing in a conservatory but we outgrew that pretty
quickly so ended up in the local pub.
We were joined by friends with a guitar, a bass and some drums and
even someone with far too many strings!
There are now at least eleven of us in the band - no-one is actually
sure how many, because if you turn up with a uke, you’re in!
Punk and Ska are probably our main influences, but as more people
joined, more ideas for songs came too."
Not Quite Dead Yet have been described as “a tin of Punk Rock
sardines spilling onto the stage” or possibly “A marmite
hand-grenade!”
Our main aim is still to entertain ourselves – fortunately people
seem to like us too!
Our motto is “This is not a Band it’s a Support Group!”
Embrace the chaos!!
Having started the New Year in style with a Guest Appearance on
'Scott Doonican’s Big Hootenanny Neet In', and now currently in the
midst of their “Not Quite There Yet” Tour 2026, Not Quite Dead Yet
are traveling the country playing festivals wherever the stages are
big enough, and some that really aren’t!
There’s plenty of opportunities to catch them playing in a field
somewhere this festival season... What’s the worst that could
happen?
It’s fine! |
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| SATURDAY 31ST JULY 2027 |
MAIN STAGE |
| Uke Tok Play-along workshop |
SATURDAY 09:30 to 11.15 |
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SATURDAY 11:30 to 12.15 The Ukaladies
As part of "Ukulele Fusion", Su and Jen are no strangers to the main
stage at Shrewkfest and as “The Ukaladies” they have the chance to
showcase their spin on songs with fabulous harmonies.
Playing ukulele bass and concert / tenor ukuleles, they regularly
appear at live musical events around Telford.
If you want to see a duo who just seem to click vocally and who
clearly love what they do, book your seat, sit back and enjoy, a
little bit of joy might just rub off on you and you might just find
yourself singing along!
Also featuring special guest Dave Rolfe. |
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SATURDAY 12:30 to 13.15 One Lump or Two
One of the busiest bands involving a ukulele, One Lump or Two are a
warm‑hearted, West Berkshire, North Wessex, acoustic trio whose
blend of ukulele, guitar, double bass and three-part harmonies have
become a familiar sound across pubs, festivals, and community
stages.
Made up of Lynnette, Tom, and Martyn, the group mix folk, country,
and roots‑acoustic influences with an easy humour and a relaxed,
inviting stage presence.
Their music feels like a friendly conversation set to strings,
unpretentious, melodic, and unmistakably theirs and encouraging
audience participation throughout.
Tom and Martyn first started playing music together in the early
1980's and they think they're getting the hang of it, playing as a
duo at Glastonbury Festival last year.
This was a career highlight for Tom whereas Martyn cites the gig
where they got paid a tub of ice cream each as his best moment.
Lynnette not only plays bass but acts as carer and responsible
adult.
The band name comes from Tom and Martyn both surviving and living
with serious Cancers which remain dormant following treatment.
The trio have appeared at Shrewkfest before as part of the larger,
and less manageable Kennet Delta Cowboys.
They find the trio less stressful and are delighted to be playing at
Shrewkfest again after a short absence.
Expect great music and some giggles. |
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SATURDAY 13:30 to 14.15 Pluckin Ella and the Neon Pines
Pluckin Ella & The Neon Pines:
Hailing from the mystical lands of Liverpool, Pluckin Ella & The
Neon Pines are a three-piece original band armed with ukuleles,
bass, foot-stomping rhythms, harmonies and absolutely no sensible
plan for defeating a dragon.
Their songs weave tales of love, resilience, freedom and finding
your own path, with plenty of heart, humour and infectious energy
along the way.
So follow the sound of stomping feet through the Neon Pines and join
them at Shrewkfest for songs, stories and a little musical mischief.
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SATURDAY 14:30 to 15.15 Ukumanaics
The Ukumaniacs are a fun filled ukulele band from the South Wales
valleys.
With ukuleles, a bass uke, kazoos and of course some Welsh singing,
the Ukumanics play a wide range of music including crowd pleasers,
jam strum alongs, parody and comedy songs, chart toppers and even
some Welsh numbers.
We love music and we love performing but more than anything, we love
having fun! |
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SATURDAY 15:30 to 16.15 Duo Sereniti
“A musical duo where classical meets contemporary.
Duo Sereniti perform beautiful arrangements of well-known classical
pieces, jazz standards and popular songs.
A sophisticated sound perfect for weddings, corporate functions and
social events.”
Leigh Matthews was born in 1971 in the West Midlands.
As a multi-instrumentalist playing fretted strings, bowed strings,
woodwind and keys, she began her advanced music studies in 1990 at
the Birmingham Conservatoire and graduated in 1993 with a degree in
music.
After graduating, Leigh taught instrumental music at independent
schools and for several UK music services.
In later career years working as a Head of Music and a Director of
Performing Arts in schools, she has shared her love of the ukulele
with many young people.
In 2019 Leigh founded TOTALEIGH MUSIC in Tywyn – a music school
which works tirelessly within the local community running musical
ensembles, putting on fundraising events and teaching all
instruments, all ages and all abilities, covering music of many
genres.
There are several hundred students whose lessons are facilitated by
the team of 10 specialist music teachers, one of whom is Leigh’s
former music student Holly!
Holly Morris is a professional versatile vocalist and
instrumentalist with her favourite instrument being the ukulele!
She studied at The University of Chichester Conservatoire, where she
graduated with a BA Hons Degree in Musical Theatre and Cabaret
Performance.
A year at Bath Spa University prior to this saw her complete a year
of Classical vocal studies.
As a skilled actress and singer, she has played lead roles in
amateur productions and she continues to dedicate much of her time
to performing at a variety of events and functions, including
facilitating the provision of community music workshops.
With her favourite vocal styles including Musical Theatre, Pop,
Jazz, and Classical, Holly absolutely loves to sing and perform.
Leigh introduced Holly to the ukulele during her school days when
Leigh was Holly’s school music teacher.
They played music together at school and years later Holly moved to
live and work in Tywyn for TOTALEIGH MUSIC, where she has become a
popular local performer.
Performing together once again Leigh & Holly formed their musical
duo Duo Sereniti (featuring voices, classical guitar, flute and
ukuleles) to share their love of performing songs.
In particular, as fans of the ukulele, Holly & Leigh enjoy creating
arrangements of songs of many genres as well as performing their own
quirky composition 'THE UKULELE SONG' |
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SATURDAY 16:30 to 17.15 Matt
Parkin
Matt is a multi-instrumentalist who spent much of his late teens and
twenties touring and recording with artists including The Jesus and
Mary Chain, Spider Stacey (The Pogues), The Mission, Swervedriver,
Miranda Sex Garden and Silversun, before moving to Andalucía to
raise children, grow vegetables and make things out of wood.
In his mid-40s, he discovered that teaching music is the best thing
ever and retrained.
As well as performing, Matt now runs the Awesome Ukulele Academy
online, organises Awesome Ukulele Retreats in Spain, and compères
musical events.
More than anything, he loves helping people who never thought of
themselves as musicians discover just how much joy there is in
making music.
He remains slightly surprised that teaching people to play ukulele
turned out to be the best job he’s ever had, and that includes
rockstar! |
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SATURDAY 17:30 to 18.15 The F'Uke Fighters
F’uke Fighters are an East Midlands based band, that has been
steadily building a reputation for fun, high-energy performances at
uke and music festivals, pubs and clubs across the country.
Featuring ukuleles, bouzoukis, bass and drums, the present line-up
of Tricia, Graham, Tony, Pete and Chris was completed in 2022.
Playing their own arrangements of songs from Foo Fighters, Iron
Maiden and Deep Purple to Judas Priest, and Led Zeppelin, they also
perform their own songs.
The F’ukes are very much looking forward to meeting up with friends
old and new at Shrewkfest 2027. |
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SATURDAY 18:30 to 19.15 SaxandUke
Hannah Spires (saxophone) and Matthew Quilliam (ukulele/ guitar)
bring bright and uplifting renditions of pop and jazz favourites
from throughout the decades.
Hannah is a seasoned professional having played on board cruise
ships around the world with guest entertainers from The Voice and
Britain’s Got Talent.
Matthew was nominated “Best UK Ukulele Player” in the 2025 Ukies
awards and performs at festivals across the UK.
He has supported and appeared at Shrewkfest since we first started
so we are delighted to be able to invite him back in this somewhat
different incarnation! |
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SATURDAY 19:30 to 20.15 Katabatic Bloom |
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SATURDAY 20:30 to 21.45 Andy Eastwood
With ukulele, banjo-uke, violin, and guitar, Andy Eastwood’s act is
an upbeat blend of dazzling instrumental artistry, foot-tapping
songs and bright, breezy humour.
We have been hoping to get him to Shrewkfest for quite a while and
we are very pleased that he has finally been able to slot us into
his incredibly busy life and perform and teach for us in 2027.
Andy began performing at an early age, studying classical violin and
piano. But he also taught himself ukulele and made history at Oxford
University as the only musician ever to give his degree recital on
the uke!
He is now considered one of the world’s foremost ukulele players and
is proud to have contributed to its continuing popularity.
The legendary Sir Ken Dodd gave Andy his break into theatre, and he
made 350 performances as special guest with the great comedian - who
described him as ‘a one-man music festival’ - as well as working
alongside stars such as Cannon & Ball, Joe Pasquale, Frank Skinner,
Des O’Connor and Roy Hudd.
Andy’s one-man show is a popular attraction for cruise liners, and
his tour schedule of major theatres and cabaret venues worldwide
prompted The Stage to call him ‘the busiest man in showbusiness’.
He portrayed ukulele legend George Formby in over 1000 performances
of the touring show We’ll Meet Again, and his festival appearances
have taken him to Italy, Germany, Austira, Sweden, The Czech
Republic, Finland and Oklahoma City, USA.
Don’t miss your chance to see this unique entertainer in action! |
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SATURDAY 22:00 until late
The Mighty Lemons
Ladies and gentlemen… boys and girls… and anyone who’s accidentally
wandered into the wrong paddock while looking for Ukulele Simon.
They’re back!
Prepare yourselves for the MIGHTY LEMONS — an award-winning ukulele
rock band with a dangerous lack of good judgement and absolutely no
intention of behaving like a normal ukulele group.
Expect rock classics, pop anthems, huge singalongs, light-hearted
nonsense, dubious amounts of enthusiasm and enough questionable
musical equipment to make a music shop nervous; ukuleles, drums,
melodica, kazoo, keyboards, keytar, Theremin and vibraslap.
Also lots of brass-related spittle courtesy of the mighty FRUITY
TOOTS— their three-piece brass section.
And keep your ears open for the legendary COMEDY PAUSE — that
extraordinary moment when the entire band suddenly stops playing for
absolutely no apparent reason.
Was it planned?
Was it a technical problem?
Has someone forgotten the next chord?
Nobody knows.
But one thing is certain… when the silence hits, you’ll know you’re
watching the MIGHTY LEMONS!
Or maybe you went to see Ukulele Simon instead.
They are LOUD.
They are RIDICULOUS.
They are surprisingly good.
They are MIGHTY. They are LEMONS.
BIG sound. Zero dignity. Maximum entertainment.
Proudly endorsing Flight Ukuleles. |
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| SUNDAY 1ST AUGUST 2027 |
MAIN STAGE |
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SUNDAY 09:30 to 11.15 Uke Tok Play-along workshop |
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SUNDAY 11:30 to 12.15 Sisters Of Mersey
Opening proceedings on Sunday morning with a Sunday Service we are
very pleased to have 'The Sisters Of Mersey' appearing for the first
time at Shrewkfest.
The Sisters of Mersey are a gloriously unconventional congregation
of musicians, singers and assorted sinners, spreading joy, salvation
and the occasional questionable chord through the sacred power of
the ukulele.
Led by Rev Cass, Minister of Uke & Salvation, the Sisters take songs
you know and love and give them the full Sunday Service treatment —
big voices, bigger personalities, plenty of audience participation
and absolutely no requirement to behave yourself.
Expect rock, soul, pop and a few unexpected classics, delivered with
harmonies, humour and enough irreverent religious nonsense to have
you questioning whether you’ve stumbled into a gig, a revival
meeting or a particularly unruly church fête.
All are welcome.
Come as you are.
Leave converted.
Praise be to Uke. |
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SUNDAY 12:30 to 13.15 Too-Lye-Ay |
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SUNDAY 13:30 to 14.15 Hullabaloo
Hullabaloo are no strangers to Shrewkfest, having been regular
guests since it started.
Each year they consciously move their musical choices on.
This year is no exception: they are undergoing a significant
makeover. Changes to their lineup mean Hullabaloo’s sound is
evolving, both vocally and instrumentally.
When asked what kind of music they play, the answer is always the
same: “We just do songs we all like.
It doesn’t matter about genres or what era they come from.
If we don’t enjoy it you won’t either and that’s the most important
thing for us.” |
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SUNDAY 14:30 to 15.15 Saxolele
Saxolele is not a duo - it is a fusion, a symbiosis, a balancing of
the emotional and expressive power of the saxophone with the light
and breezy tones of the ukulele. |
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SUNDAY 15:30 to 16.15 StrumBowLele
Previously known as “Born In The 50’s” we have rebranded and are now
“StrumBowLele”.
We are very excited about sharing our music with you once again at
Shrewkfest.
We are Penny, Tony, Carrol and Susan, and we are all from
Shropshire. We enjoy sharing our music with all who would listen to
us.
Our musical experience is full and varied, reflected in the songs we
play. Joining our instruments and our voices in our inimitable
harmonic style.
We make classic songs our own, and also perform a lot of original
songs penned by ourselves.
We look forward to performing for you once again and hope you enjoy
our music. |
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SUNDAY 16:30 to 17.15 PHiA
PHiA is amongst the many acts making their Shrewkfest debut in 2027
and we're very excited to welcome her to the main stage.
PHiA is a German singer-songwriter of Folk and Soul music based in
London. It is her vision to make songs that remind us all to believe
in ourselves and our dreams.
Like a hippie goddess, she blends intimate and dreamy live
atmospheres with poetical, healing and affirmational lyrics and her
powerful yet caressing vocals that send light beams from her heart
directly into yours.
She has recently put this vision into action during her SiGNS OF
LiGHT-Tour in France and Germany (summer 2026), but as well during
every single show in London, her home since December 2024.
Bravely, she followed her heart all the way to the English capital,
overcoming obstacles such as the extremely tough visa regulations in
place since Brexit.
“I ain’t joking about my dream”, says PHiA.
The French Radio Show “L'Oreille Qui Gratte" (Radio Agora Côte
d'Azur, FM 94.0) writes: „PHiA is a storyteller. Her velvet voice
full of smiles creates stories of travels and artworks. Every note
of her ukulele is a drop of colour. It is magical to relax in her
music.”
Shrewkfest 2027 will bring the trilingual artist and her ukulele
baby all the way up to the Midlands with one aim: To meet as many of
you as possible in person and share moments of lightful connection
through true heartfelt original music.
PHiA draws inspiration from The Mamas and The Papas, ELIZA, Norah
Jones, Jack Johnson and Lianne La Havas. |
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SUNDAY 17:30 to 18.15 Matt Hicks
Where he came from, where he’s going, no one knows.
Some say he was lost in the wilderness as a child, and raised by a
pack of feral jazz artists.
Took schooling amongst the blues guitarists and the gravestones of a
Memphis cemetery.
Some say he hid in a long lost speakeasy when prohibition arrived
and no one told him it was over till last year.
All this whilst owning a ukulele that identifies as a banjo.
Either way, Matt is a songwriting fluzy that dances with all genres
of the roots that would tell his stories the best.
Having released many albums to date and riding on the critical
acclaim of Never Sinking Sun, he has brought down the house at
Galway uke fest, Winchester and the Ukulele Fesitval of Great
Britain.
He has as many stories as he has songs and he believes his purpose
is to not leave the stage until his audience is truly happy... |
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SUNDAY 18:30 to 19.15 Shropshire Ukulele Massive
An amalgamation of players from many of the Ukulele groups from
around Shropshire, England's greenest and pleasantest land.
They organise all manner of events in and around Shrewsbury,
including 'Shrewkfest' and play live at many festivals and venues in
the area.
Bring your uke along and join in to play a selection of songs from
the festival songbook as we bring the weekend to a close leading to
the Grand Finale where we hope to have as many players & singers on
and around the stage.
After this why not stay with us for 'The Wind-Down' where we'll have
a very informal acoustic jam session and a few beers! |
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