Cairns’ best kept secret can now be revealed! The organisers of the Cairns Ukulele Festival have finally announced the song that will be played this year to break the world record of the ‘Largest Ukulele Ensemble’ on Saturday July 2nd at the Cairns Courthouse Hotel. The song is ‘Iko Iko’ – a song with a catchy calypso feel, and, most importantly it only has two chords so it’s easy to play.

We need at least 852 players, and anyone could be the player making the difference, so get involved!”  Before the attempt, which is scheduled to take place at 5pm, Australia’s #1 music book seller, Mike Jackson, will instruct the crowd on how to play the song.

As well as the world record attempt, there will be performances in the courtyard of the Courthouse Hotel all day from midday onwards.  Ukulele Clubs and club members from around the country, from as far as Perth, will once again descend upon Cairns and not only attend but also perform at the iconic venue. In addition, local schools are also chipping in with several schools performing during the day.

Quite a few local schools have taken on the ukulele as a formal classroom instrument, it has proven to be a hit and performance groups are popping up everywhere.  Although the St Andrews College Ukulele group only formed a few weeks ago, the members are so enthusiastic that they have already performed at two events and are listed on the bill for the 2nd of July at the Cairns Courthouse Hotel.

Following the World Record Attempt there will be performances by international artists. Italian ukulele and YouTube identity Lorenzo ‘Ukulollo’ Vignando will present a very special performance, incorporating a screen in his performance to show off not only his musicianship but also his amazing video editing skills. His videos have won numerous ‘ukulele video of the year awards’. Lorenzo is flying in from Italy especially for this one-off performance!

It is a great day for the family. The location, the family-friendly atmosphere, food and sheer joy of people getting together to have a good time will make for a very special experience.

For more information, please follow this link.