Story and Photography by Jason Freeze
BRANTFORD, ON – Brantford was filled with cheerful chords, toe-tapping tunes and more than a few happy strummers as the Bell City Strummers brought the second annual Brantford Ukulele Festival to life on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18.
Hosted at St. Andrew’s United Church, the two-day festival welcomed more than 150 guests for a weekend dedicated to music, learning, community and, of course, the wonderfully unmistakable sound of the ukulele.
While the ukulele may be a small instrument, the Bell City Strummers proved that it can make a big impact. From the first strum of the morning workshops to the final notes of the evening performances, the festival created an upbeat atmosphere that brought players of all experience levels together under one roof.
For attendees, the festival offered plenty of opportunities to pick up their ukuleles and get involved. Daytime workshops gave participants the chance to learn new skills, practice their playing and build confidence alongside fellow ukulele enthusiasts. Whether they were seasoned players or simply curious about the instrument, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
And when the workshops wrapped up, the music didn’t stop.
Evenings at the festival featured professional performers, giving guests the opportunity to sit back, listen and enjoy talented musicians showcasing just how versatile the humble ukulele can be. The performances added another layer to the weekend, transforming the festival from a series of workshops into a full celebration of live music.
Of course, no festival would be complete without a little shopping and some unexpected discoveries.
Several vendors were on hand throughout the weekend, offering unique ukulele-related items and other interesting finds for attendees to browse. Among the standout pieces was an especially eye-catching ukulele designed to look like an Oreo cookie — proving that at the Brantford Ukulele Festival, even the instruments themselves can have a little personality.
The festival also offered something just as important as music: connection.
With more than 150 people attending throughout the weekend, the event gave local musicians, music lovers and curious newcomers an opportunity to meet, share their passion and enjoy an experience together. The relaxed and welcoming nature of the ukulele made it easy for people to join in, regardless of their playing experience.
Organized by the Bell City Strummers, the festival showcased the dedication of a local group committed to bringing people together through music. Their efforts helped create a weekend where learning and performance went hand in hand, while giving the community a chance to experience something a little different.
And perhaps that is part of the magic of the ukulele. It doesn’t take up much space, but it has a way of filling a room with smiles.
From workshops and vendors to professional performances and plenty of enthusiastic strumming, the second annual Brantford Ukulele Festival was a celebration of the joy that comes from picking up an instrument and simply playing.
With its second year now in the books, the festival has already struck a chord with Brantford — and if the weekend was any indication, there is no shortage of enthusiasm for more music, more learning and, naturally, more strumming in the future.
Congratulations to the Bell City Strummers, the performers, vendors, volunteers and everyone who picked up a ukulele and helped make the 2026 festival a truly #BRANTastic weekend.
Here’s to keeping the music playing — one little ukulele at a time.
