Ukulele Hooley Festival 2025 line up
It’s our 14th festival, and we’re really excited that in 2025 we will have an amazing line up of ukulele stars to entertain and inspire you; with both new faces to the festival, and some old friends that have helped us make the festival what it is, joining us for what promises to be a memorable experience for all who attend.
Victoria vox
If there hasn’t been a university study on the psychological and sociological benefits of playing the ukulele, it’s time to consider Victoria Vox as the perfect test case. Ukulele Magazine notes her work transcends the instrument’s novelty, while R2Rock’N’Reel praises her “superbly crafted uke-pop,” and Vintage Guitar Magazine describes her sound as “catchy and clever,” showcasing the best of indie music.
Vox, a one-woman powerhouse, is an award-winning, ukulele-toting songwriter whose musical journey began at age 10. A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, she transitioned from guitar to ukulele in 2003, adopting the stage name Victoria Vox—Latin for “voice.” Her acoustic style has evolved into a rich blend of chanson and jazz-infused pop, establishing her as a prominent figure in the ukulele community. Having shared stages with artists like Jake Shimabukuro and Jackson Browne, Vox’s performances are a celebration of creativity and emotion.
Vox’s unique flair extends beyond her instrument; her “mouth trumpet” technique—a whimsical, jazz-era vocal style—has led to memorable appearances, including on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and being featured in the Wall Street Journal for her role in the mouth trumpet revival.
Dublin Ukulele Collective
The band has flown the flag at festivals such as All Together Now, Electric Picnic, Kaleidoscope and Wild Roots and shook the floor of sacred Dublin venues Whelans, Sugar Club and Christchurch.
“… they build an atmosphere as hot as the sunshine.” – Golden Plec
Rita braga
Rita Braga is a Portuguese singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known for her eclectic and whimsical style that blends elements of folk, pop, cabaret, and experimental music. With a distinctive voice and a playful approach to songwriting, she draws inspiration from a wide range of influences, including vintage tunes, world music, and surreal storytelling. Her repertoire includes songs in more than 10 languages.
As a solo artist, over the last 15 years she has toured extensively all over Europe and also in the US, Brazil, Australia and Japan.
Her 4th album Illegal Planet (Comets Coming, 2023), has been described as An engrossing disc that somehow reveals more layers with each listen. (Shindig! Magazine).
She wrote and performed a sci-fi minimal ukulele pop operetta called A Quantic Dream. The show combined a dream sequence, astrophysics, burlesque, animation and lighthearted existentialism.
Her numerous collaborations include work with Ana da Silva, Felix Kubin, Ian Svenonius (The Make-Up), The Legendary Tigerman and Nik Phelps.
UkuHooligans
We meet every Saturday morning at the Eblana Club on Eblana Avenue Dun Laoghaire to play ukulele, jam together and share songs. It’s a great opportunity to meet other enthusiasts in a friendly and social setting. Anyone with an interest in playing, learning or just having fun with the ukulele is welcome (no matter where you’re from!)
Ukulele Sligo
Ukulele Sligo are a dynamic collective known for their playful take on pop, rock, and dance anthems. Bringing serious craic and feel-good energy wherever they play. Their gigs are all about good vibes, big singalongs, and getting the crowd moving.
PPNOU
PPNOU, or the First Poznań Non-Symphonic Ukulele Orchestra, is formed by musicians – enthusiasts who have been seduced by the characteristic sound and filigree size of the ukulele.
Four guys from Poznań (not five from Liverpool) with tiny instruments making a lot of noise will make you laugh and lose your slippers in the dance. At their concerts you should always expect the unexpected! They break conventions and women’s hearts.
You won’t be able to remember the band’s name, but you will never forget their concert!
Tim smithies
Tim Smithies is a fast picking, foot stomping, tale telling ukulele player known for his rich musicality, inventive arrangements, and warm stage presence. With roots in folk, blues and a passion for reimagining modern tunes, Tim’s unique finger style playing brings a fresh and engaging sound to the ukulele and resonator guitars – whether performing solo or collaborating with fellow artists.
A regular on the live music scene across Yorkshire, the UK and way beyond, Tim’s performances are equal parts heartfelt and humorous, combining skilled playing with an easy charm that connects with audiences of all ages. From intimate acoustic sessions to festival stages, his sets blend original material with creative takes on unexpected covers – all shaped by a lifelong love of melody, rhythm, and storytelling.
With festival favourites Dead Mans Uke he has toured and played shows all over the world from Austria to Australia, London to Las Vegas, Poland to Palm Springs and more.
When he’s not performing, Tim is also a dedicated mentor and event producer, supporting musicians and performers behind the scenes and onstage.
Tim will be performing at this years festival – having been to the first one and a couple along the way he’s looking forward to coming back… and can’t promise to behave. He’ll be joined by the awesome Mel Day on harmonica and vocals.
Julia traser
Julia Traser (Giulia Pedrana) is a singer-songwriter originally hailing from a small town in the Italian Alps and is now a resident of Brighton, UK.
She started singing and performing when she was 12 years old and from there never stopped. Studied classical guitar for a couple of years, then learned how to sing and play her favourite covers, discovered the vibrant ukulele world and fell in love with singer songwriters like Sara Bareilles, Jason Mraz, KT Tunstall and started writing her own songs.
She moved to the Uk to pursue her love for music and songwriting, making Brighton her home.
She is releasing her debut album of songs rooted in a folky sound with added musicalities and collaborations with new and longterm friends, songs which tell her adventures and stories, the highs and lows, since moving to Brighton.
It’s a treat to have Julia join us for this years Hooley!
RUGS
RUGS Performance Group has grown from a weekly jam session in a local hall in Rathfarnham, Dublin, to taking the stage at a number of festivals and cultural events. These have included St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Forever Young, Summer Sounds at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, and Funtropolis as well as numerous ukulele festivals including Ukulele Hooley, Galway Uke Fest and Skerries Ukulele Festival.
Our loyal fan base enjoy our foot-stomping tunes across a broad range of artists including Snow Patrol, Elton John & Dua Lipa, The Killers, Kodaline, Baccara, Bananarama, Abba, The Beatles,Queen & Chappell Roan. Our upbeat, energetic performances bring the audience on a musical adventure with us – sitting still is not an option!
Ukulele Tuesday
Ukulele Tuesday is the gigging offshoot of The Stag’s Head’s weekly ukulele session of the same name. They are a lively bunch, who mash-up contemporary and classic hits, and take the ukulele into uncharted waters. Guaranteed to melt some faces.
Alessandro Pedroni
An energetic, upbeat Italian ukulele player whose magnetic charm and positive vibe light up every stage. He surprises audiences with a wide-ranging set that jumps unpredictably across genres, from swing to folk and from flamenco to rock.
Alessandro weaves original compositions (instrumentals and songs with Italian and English lyrics), bringing an irresistible blend of warmth, curiosity, and musical versatility, making each performance a dynamic journey through sound and culture.
Alessandro will be performing on our Saturday Stage ‘Eblana Cabana’ at the Eblana Festival Club HQ.
KINGSTOWN DUKE
Playing a mix of Rock, Pop and Blues, from throughout the years with his own unique styling, you’ll hear songs you know well and new tunes you’ll want to hear again.
Niall teaches Ukulele night classes in Blackrock Further Education Institute and hand builds Ukuleles as Kingstown Ukes.
Niall will be performing on our Saturday Stage ‘Eblana Cabana’ at the Eblana Festival Club HQ.
SNUG
The Shillelagh Northside Ukulele Group (SNUG) has been bringing the joy of music to Dublin’s north side since 2017. Based in Artane, this lively group of over 40 members meets weekly at the Artane Beaumont Family Recreation Centre (ABFRC) to share their passion for music, community, and fun.
With a repertoire that blends timeless classics and contemporary tunes, SNUG loves performing for audiences big and small. They regularly play gigs for local community groups and charities, spreading smiles and the uplifting sound of the ukulele wherever they go.
Pancake radio
What happens when you mash ukuleles with a musical saw, melodica, gorgeous harmonies, and a handful of shakers? You get a slice of Americana that’ll stick a grin on your face. Broadcasting at the Eblana for the first time. May or may not include actual pancakes.
Pancake Radio will be performing on our Saturday Stage ‘Eblana Cabana’ at the Eblana Festival Club HQ.
The Sunday Stage
Sunday 24th August, in the People’s Park, performers take to the stage
Join us in the People Park, Dun Laoghaire, for the main performance event of the festival, on Sunday 24th August.
Proceedings kick-off before midday – 11:30am.
We will be continuing our tradition of presenting talented ukulele performers and groups from around the world.
