A NEW ukulele club is launching in Northwich, aiming to bring a growing ukulele community to the town.

Mark Clegg, from Davenham, first picked up a ukulele three years ago as a hobby and quickly found a community of like-minded people across the north west who love to get together weekly and play.

These ‘Uke Jams’ provided him with an opportunity to meet new friends, explore new music and practice his skills in a way which was much more fun than sitting at home with YouTube tutorials.

As the world opens back up, Mark says he wants to get back to that fun community and encourage others to do the same.

"Our weekly 'Uke Jam' is the perfect opportunity for people who are experienced players, or even beginners who picked up a ukulele for the first time over lockdown to come along, practice, play and join in." he said.

"Sometimes the ukulele has a reputation for being an instrument of days gone by, associated with the era of George Formby, however that's not what this is about at all.

"We’ll be playing an eclectic and more modern mix of songs from bands such as Tones and I, Oasis, Greenday, Florence and the Machine and the White Stripes.

"The ukulele is a very accessible instrument that is easy to pick up, and we want to encourage more people to have fun with it.

"Although you'll need to have a grasp of a few basic chords, the 'Uke Jam' is a friendly place you can come regardless of your age or ability.

"It's just about having fun!"

Northwich Uke Club's first weekly 'Uke Jam' takes place on September 2 at Temple Cafe Bar on Witton St from 7.00pm.

It is free to attend, and the songbook which you will need to bring along with you is available at northwichukeclub.co.uk.

You can also follow the club on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by searching ‘Northwich Uke Club’.