A selection from feedback on the 2016 festival:

“The festival was amazing, the performers awesome & the atmosphere exciting. I’ve never had more fun. Well done Gaby, you did a great job organizing the festival”

“Once again the Cairns Ukulele Festival was fantastic. With talent such as Sarah and Craig, Nicki Bomba and Taimane holding workshops as well as performing we learnt new techniques as well as having 4 days of incredible fun in a tropical paradise.”

“I had so much fun, it didn’t matter that I came without my group. I can’t believe how much my husband (a non uke enthusiast) enjoyed himself. It’s the best festival, I made so many new friends. The performances were outstanding.”

“Fantastic festival. Our group , the Humps, had the opportunity to play on the big stage to a big crowd. It was a wonderful experience and we learnt so much. Thank you Gaby !”

A selection of feedback we received on earlier festivals:

“I have now decided to replace the Gympie Muster with the Cairns Ukulele festival as my annual pilgrimage to northern QLD.”

“As a beginner I enjoyed the way more experienced musicians helped people like me when we were trying to keep up at the workshops. Ukelele players seem friendlier than other musicians I’ve met.”

“We enjoyed this year so much because it catered for all age groups. The whole family was involved. Our daughter participated in the Uke Paint n Play workshop with some of her friends. Our son, who is a bit older participated in the Build a Uke workshop with the Koaloha Crew. The main thing I have noticed through all three festivals in Cairns, is that my son is treated as an equal by all these wonderful musicians. They include him in jam sessions and the professionals are always so encouraging. We really enjoy spending time with like minded people. Hopefully as the kids get older we will be able to join in the evening activities more.”

“The atmosphere, the venue on the esplanade was beautiful, great to combine it with the markets that day as well. The acts were fabulous, right from the kids to the professional players, a great variety of talent. The anticipation and build up to the record attempt provided a great buzz in the air.”

“Thank you for a job well done. There was a lot of variety in the programme. I was challenged and had fun. It was also good to get to know some of my club members better and meet new people too.”

“Thank you again. I started playing the Ukulele at last years Cairns Festival. Always had an interest and decided to go for it. The club has made me feel welcomed and the tuition from members is priceless. My husband is supportive but the Uke is not his thing. Now when I play he recognises songs. He joined me for the record attempt. I managed to teach him the chords required. His comment after the event was wow that was fun. Might have a convert.”

“As usual, I didn’t want to know that it was over.The days passed by so quickly and I have been left with some beautiful memories of the event.Being emmersed in ukulele music for 4 days is a dream come true.”

“The Cairns Ukulele Festival is a new phenomenon. It has exploded onto the entertainment world map as a well run,very enjoyable family friendly,participatory people’s festival showcasing high quality Australian and overseas talent that many in this country would never otherwise have the opportunity to experience. Attendees are encouraged to engage mind and body in exercising hidden musical talents that lie in us all. The local economy benefits over the duration of this festival and then beyond as attendees linger sometimes for weeks in the tropical ukulele afterglow. Congratulations to all for this festival.”

“the Cairns Ukuelele festival is a wonderful, happy positive event that I feel honoured to be a part of. It is one of the best festivals i have attended.”

“This was my first festival but it certainly won’t be my last. I plan on coming back next year and hopefully every year. If the calibre of acts and venues stays at this level I will be extremely happy. I loved the central location for all the events and workshops. I loved the friendly, warm atmosphere, the loud hawaiin shirts on the men and flowers in the hair of the women. I loved the feeling that no matter what you were wearing, or how well you did or didn’t play that you were welcome to join in and have a strum. I had the most amazing time and cannot reccommend it highly enough as a music event for uke lovers. I came home raving about it to all that would listen and encouraging them to get there next year. I’m actually trying to organise a group through my uke club. The festival was well planned, a great variety of acts, and the venues were wonderful too. Just to reiterate, I loved the fact that nothing clashed or overlapped. This meant that I could get to everything that was on if I so desired. A fabulous time was had by me and my friend who came up to Cairns for this event. Thankyou to Gaby and her team for a truly amazing, and value for money event. With the cost of airfares and accommodation it’s so refreshing to be able to attend so many free and/or affordable shows. You did a most wonderful job, and I will be back again and again. I’m pretty sure I’ve convinced about half a dozen more since I got home to attend next years festival. I’m hoping to make it an annual holiday to get out of winter here. Kudos to you all!!”

“WE ARE A COUPLE FROM THE WHITSUNDAYS. MY PARTNER ATTENDED THE TIKKI WORKSHOP AND HAD GREAT FUN. I WAS PART OF THE UKULELE BUILDING CLASS,WHICH WAS ABSOLUTELY MY MOST ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE OF THE FESTIVAL. THE GUYS FROM HAWAI MADE US FEEL WE WERE PART OF A FAMILY AND WE LEARNT A LOT. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS WORKSHOP TO EVERYONE.”

“This trip was to celebrate my 65th birthday and was worth the money we spent to do it. Congratulations on the choice of artists, a very friendly approachable group of people.”

“The uke festival was fnatastic, loved building the uke at the workshop. Loved all the people I met, have not been amounst such a large group of happy people. Don’t recall seeing anyone that was grumpy the performers were lovely and played fantastically.Can’t say enough good things, Gaby rocks. Thank you for the most fantastic week.”