Ukulele band steps in for castle concert

A ukulele band stepped in to play a concert in front of 350 people in Newark Castle grounds on Sunday in what was only their second performance together.

Newark Ukulele Band had three days to prepare for the concert, organised by Newark Town Council, after the Foss Dyke Band cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

The ukulele band, which was formed in March, had their first ever performance on Friday at Norton Disney Village Hall.

The concert was a celebration of Lammas, the festival of the wheat harvest, and was attended by about 40 people. The band were booked for the concert following an article in the Advertiser.

Mr Justin Baker-Smith, of Woodlands, Winthorpe, who set up the group, said they only had 50 minutes-worth of material before Sunday's concert so extra songs were brought along which the group had never played together before.

The band played for around two hours, with the first set led by Mr Baker-Smith and the second by Mr Colin Tribe, a ukulele tutor and arranger.

The band's appearance was organised through Mr Tribe, who is married to the chairman of Newark Town Council's environment and leisure committee, Mrs Marika Tribe.

The other band members on Sunday were Mrs Michelle Baker-Smith, Mrs Gaynor Woodward, Lynn Baker and Matthew Carter.

They are looking to play more concerts in the area and are also keen to welcome new members.

For more information contact Mr Baker-Smith on 01636 706536 or email baker_smith@btinternet.com

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