Diss ukelele day delights crowds on day of fun and music in the town

Visitors found themselves serenaded by the sounds of ukulele enthusiasts at the weekend, as Diss devoted a day to celebrating the small but mighty instrument.

Diss Ukulele Day included a mass busking session beside the Mere and workshops in the Corn Hall, capped by a performance from Ukulele star act McShane & Shaw, who headlined an evening concert.

The event, which has been running since 2018, with a break for the pandemic, was organised by Peter Arnold, from Bressingham - an avid, lifelong ukulele player.

“This year, we started the day with a big busk,” he said.

“Over 40 people from across East Anglia assembled at Diss Mere for an hour’s busking, led by the band Silver Linings, from Norwich.

“Passers-by were entertained by the group singing pop classics, such as Bad Moon Rising.

“We moved to the Corn Hall for workshops, which ended with the group learning to play Rocking All over The World, made famous by Status Quo. For the concert encore, those with ukuleles joined McShane & Shaw for a rousing performance of the song.”

After the workshops, players had the chance to showcase their talents at an open mic session in the Corn Hall courtyard and browse P J Music’s stall.

Anyone wishing to learn the ukulele and join a social group of players is welcome to attend the Ukaholics Anonymous sessions at Palgrave Community Centre on Thursdays at 7.30pm. Email petearnold1957@yahoo.co.uk for more details or find Ukaholics Anonymous of Facebook.