HARROGATE'S FABULOUS UKULELE BAND
ABOUT THE GROUP
Come Along and Strum
The Harrogate Spa Town Ukes meet weekly at 7:30pm on Wednesday evenings at Oatlands Mount Club, 1 Coronation Grove, Harrogate, HG2 8BU for a sociable 'strum and sing' session. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, new members and Uke players visiting the area are always welcome. So, if you fancy trying your hand on the Uke, contact us for further information and don't forget to check out our Sample Songlist.
Come Join the Band
The Harrogate Spa Town Ukes appeal to music lovers from all walks of life. Performing at a variety of venues and making many public appearances, the Band has earned the admiration and affection of young and old alike. Get in touch to learn more about our repertoire and availability for your function.
NEWS & EVENTS
First an apology from the editor. The last few months have been rather difficult so the website has
been left to languish a little – but we're now raring to go with the new year. A quick summary for
2024. We played 44 gigs in the year – many of which were reported in the last update – but the
main 'stand out' event was on 6th December where 22 Spa Town Ukes played the finale for
Henshaw's Christmas Concert at Ripon Cathedral! The photo shows the band in front of the
magnificent Cathedral organ. And we loved it – fantastic acoustics so we're hoping for a return
match this year.
So we're already a month into the new year and the bookings have started. January and February
are always slow months, but clearly people have started to plan their musical entertainment from the Ukes in the coming year. As of last week (end of January) we had 7 bookings, this week we have 14 – including 2 Christmas bookings - so things are starting to hot up! Main events confirmed so far are:
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28th February, a return visit to Harrogate Indoor Bowls Club, where a number of the Ukes have become members;
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2nd March, The national 'Let's Dance' initiative supported by Angela Ripon. The local event is organised by our old friends 'Dancing for Well Being' at The Pavilions Harrogate;
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3rd May, Henshaw's Beer Festival – Henshaw's is a local charity based in Knaresborough;
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11th May, Glampfest – a 3 day camping festival held in Knaresborough;
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April sees the start of the monthly St Michael's Hospice collection event at the Victoria
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Centre, Harrogate – we are signed up for eight gigs;
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In June and July we are playing four concerts as part of the North Yorkshire Council 'Summer Concerts Series' – held in Valley Gardens, Harrogate, Knaresborough Castle, Ripon Spa Gardens and Pateley Bridge.
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… and many more to come!
And more good news – this year we are 10! Yes, it's 10 years since veteran members Dave and Paul started the Harrogate Spa Town Ukes as a duo – later attracting some more members. Now the club is 50 strong and we can provide a band of up to 24 players – from little acorns .. and yes, there will be a party!
COMMUNITY
Out and About with the Harrogate Spa Town Ukes
COMMUNITY CONCERTS
Ukes out on the Town
Whether it's carols at Christmas Markets, spreading a little joy to the elderly at a number of local care homes, appearing at local Galas and Summer Fairs or staging concerts at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate's Valley Gardens and Knaresborough Castle, above all the Harrogate Spa Town Ukes love to perform. Take a look at our Sample Songlist or visit our Contact Page if you'd like to find out more.
OUR CHARITIES
Ukes Helping Others
The Harrogate Spa Town Ukes proudly supports our partner charity, St Michael's Hospice, which provides in house and outreach support in the Harrogate District.
THE UKES LIVE IN ACTION
Check Them Out
HOLY UKES
The Harrogate Spa Town Ukes entertaining the 'Holiday at Home' guests at St Andrews Church, Starbeck.
UKES FOR TROOPS
Bringing a touch of vintage glamour to Harrogate's 40s Day at Valley Gardens.
UKU-LADIES
The Harrogate Spa Town Ukes 'Ukulele Ladeez' following their performance at a local film club showing 'Some Like it Hot' where Marilyn Monroe plays 'Sugar Cane' the ukulele player in an all female band.
JINGLE UKES
It wouldn't be Christmas without a few carols from the Harrogate Spa Town Ukes.
UKES FOR TROOPS
The Ukes appear again at the 2019 Harrogate International Festival 40s Day at Harrogate Valley Gardens. Here, Ros, Steve (our band leader, or Victor Silvester!) and Linda take a break.
UKES WHO CARE
Harrogate Spa Town Ukes entertain residents of Manor House residential home during their summer fair, on the hottest day of the year - hence the rather casual gear!
UKES WHO CARE
Harrogate Spa Town Ukes supporting the Harrogate Homeless Project.
REGAL UKES
The Ukes on the steps of the Harrogate Royal Hall before playing as part of the 120th anniversary celebrations.
REGAL UKES
The Ukes on the same stage the Beatles played on in the late 60s as part of the Harrogate Royal Hall 120th anniversary celebrations.
TALK OF THE SPA-TOWN
What Our Audiences Say About Us
On behalf of all the team at Saint Michael's Hospice, thank you so much for joining us in celebrating
Hospice Care Week! The concert you organised was so wonderful - everyone was smiling and having a
lovely time, enjoying the music and dancing in the glorious sunshine. Harrogate Spa Town Ukes do an
incredible job fundraising and raising awareness for Saint Michael’s Hospice and we’re so grateful for your
continued support over the years.
...
On behalf of North Yorkshire West Federation of Women's Institutes and myself, please convey a big Thank
You to all the members who entertained us so brilliantly on Wednesday afternoon. The ladies who attended
thoroughly enjoyed the performance. I have received many glowing comments .
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The event was fantastic, everyone enjoyed the performance, so our thanks to the group.
Supporting Older People
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I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the members of the band who entertained us on Tuesday afternoon.
What a brilliant time we all had and how it cheered us all up in this break winter. The enthusiasm of the band
was contagious with all out members joining in. Jokes were good too!
Adephi Support Group
...
I just wanted to pass on a big thank you to all of the Harrogate Spa Town Uke’s that made our
Apple Day at Newby Hall a great success. All the feedback we have received has been extremely
positive, we hope you had an enjoyable able day with us.
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Just wanted to confirm your lovely band are still able to come and entertain our group Let’s Sing Together at
our Christmas party. The members are really looking forward to you entertaining us again it was so
much fun on previous occasions.
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Just wanted to say how much we all enjoyed the band at mum's 90th birthday. What a fantastic
bunch of talented people, who were friendly and great fun and we also loved the bright summer
clothes by the way! Musically very impressive, the band are so good, great playing and singing. If I
ever have a party, you'll be top of the bill!
Granby Rose Care Home
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Over the last few years your group has become a major attraction in the Knaresborough Christmas
Market entertainment programme.
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I just wanted to say a very big thank you for all your support in helping to make (our open day) last
Saturday a huge success. The day exceeded all expectations and The Harrogate Spa Town Ukes
were brilliant.
Harrogate Royal Hall Open Day Co-ordinator
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Thank you so much for the brilliant entertainment the Spa Town Ukes have given us at all 4
Christmas parties, you really made them go with a swing!
Dancing for Well Being
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We really enjoyed your performance here at the Manor House and feel you would bring great
Christmas Spirit to our residents. Music talks to their souls and I want them to feel alive.
Manor House Care Home
CONTACT
Join us Wednesdays 7:30pm at:
Oatlands Mount Club
1 Coronation Grove
Harrogate
HG2 8BU
