Ukuleles will take over Huddersfield once again this weekend.

The Grand Northern Ukulele Festival is making a comeback to the town from tomorrow - Friday - until Sunday following a successful first year.

And this year it will be even bigger than before with 39 performers taking to stages across the town on three days instead of two.

Tickets have already almost all sold out for the not-for-profit event which was launched last year by ukulele enthusiast Mary Agnes Krell.

She wanted to create the first festival of its kind in north England that would bring famed ukulele players together for fans of the instrument.

Performers from around the world will headline the festival at the Lawrence Batley Theatre’s main theatre during the event.

These will include US jazz ukulele player Sarah Maisel, the world’s number one ukulele blues player and Canadian Manitoba Hal, Scottish Zoë Bestel and Hawaiian Craig Chee.

Manitoba Hal

Upcoming talent will also be celebrated at a dedicated fringe event held at Vinyl Tap on John William Street when seven musicians will take to the stage.

Meanwhile, 16 workshops on ukulele bass, blues and ragtime and slide ukulele will allow ukulele players old and new refine their skills on Saturday and Sunday.

Players will then be able to test out their talents at a busk-off.

The finale gala concert will take place at Huddersfield Town Hall where the full festival was held last year, with sets from Sarah Maisel and Craig Chee, Mother Ukers, U.K.E. Phil Doleman and UkuleleZaza.

Mary said: “We had such a great time last year we fell in love with the town and decided to keep our festival based in Huddersfield. We are committed to continuing to produce a not-for-profit festival that offers a wide range of opportunities to play, meet people, learn new things and enjoy unexpected moments.”

The festival is sponsored by Cleckheaton instrument gig bags company Fusion Bags and supported by The Arts Council of England and Kirklees Council.

Tickets for workshops must be booked in advance but fringe events are free.