The 2027 Team
Ken Walker
Festival Director
Ken is the founder of the Findhorn Ukulele Group, having set it up in 2023 with a series of beginner classes to teach ukulele. The weekly group regularly attracts visitors and new members from far and wide as well as a committed core of members.
Ken is also an experienced teacher of guitar and accordion.
As an active member of the Findhorn Community, Ken enjoys bringing his musical flair into community events, including the Park Pranksters, a group that fosters creativity and community engagement. Dreaming up the first ever Findhorn Ukulele Festival in 2025 was just another of those projects that Ken can't stop himself from creating! Now he's on a roll, to bring hundreds of people to Findhorn from far and wide to experience the beauty and serenity of the area and of the Community - and to join in making music at the Findhorn Ukulele Festivals to come.
Festival Director
Ken is the founder of the Findhorn Ukulele Group, having set it up in 2023 with a series of beginner classes to teach ukulele. The weekly group regularly attracts visitors and new members from far and wide as well as a committed core of members.
Ken is also an experienced teacher of guitar and accordion.
As an active member of the Findhorn Community, Ken enjoys bringing his musical flair into community events, including the Park Pranksters, a group that fosters creativity and community engagement. Dreaming up the first ever Findhorn Ukulele Festival in 2025 was just another of those projects that Ken can't stop himself from creating! Now he's on a roll, to bring hundreds of people to Findhorn from far and wide to experience the beauty and serenity of the area and of the Community - and to join in making music at the Findhorn Ukulele Festivals to come.
Susie Minto
Festival Co-Director/Administrator
Susie is a recent ukulele player - it comes with the territory of being married to Ken!
In her own right she is a wordsmith - starting out as a journalist, becoming a professional storyteller, creative writing group facilitator, poet and published author. She is a lover of the out of doors, both on land and on water.
As a member of the Findhorn Community for over a decade, she brings creativity and dedication to all her endeavours. Susie manages all the administration for the Festival.
Festival Co-Director/Administrator
Susie is a recent ukulele player - it comes with the territory of being married to Ken!
In her own right she is a wordsmith - starting out as a journalist, becoming a professional storyteller, creative writing group facilitator, poet and published author. She is a lover of the out of doors, both on land and on water.
As a member of the Findhorn Community for over a decade, she brings creativity and dedication to all her endeavours. Susie manages all the administration for the Festival.
Andy Eastwood
Guest Ukulele Performer
Workshop Leader
With ukulele, banjo-uke, violin, and guitar, Andy Eastwood’s act is an upbeat blend of dazzling instrumental artistry, foot-tapping songs and bright, breezy humour.
Andy began performing at an early age, studying classical violin and piano. He taught himself ukulele and made history at Oxford University as the only musician ever to give his degree recital on the uke! He is now considered one of the world’s foremost ukulele players and is proud to have contributed to its continuing popularity.
The legendary Sir Ken Dodd gave Andy his break into theatre, and he made 350 performances as special guest with the great comedian - who described him as ‘a one-man music festival’ - as well as working alongside stars such as Cannon & Ball, Joe Pasquale, Frank Skinner, Des O’Connor and Roy Hudd.
Andy’s one-man show is a popular attraction for cruise liners, and his tour schedule of major theatres and cabaret venues worldwide prompted The Stage to call him ‘the busiest man in show business’. He portrayed ukulele legend George Formby in over 1000 performances of the touring show We’ll Meet Again, and his festival appearances have taken him to Italy, Germany, Austria, Sweden, The Czech Republic, Finland and Oklahoma City, USA. Don’t miss your chance to see this unique entertainer in action!
Andy's YouTube Channel
Guest Ukulele Performer
Workshop Leader
With ukulele, banjo-uke, violin, and guitar, Andy Eastwood’s act is an upbeat blend of dazzling instrumental artistry, foot-tapping songs and bright, breezy humour.
Andy began performing at an early age, studying classical violin and piano. He taught himself ukulele and made history at Oxford University as the only musician ever to give his degree recital on the uke! He is now considered one of the world’s foremost ukulele players and is proud to have contributed to its continuing popularity.
The legendary Sir Ken Dodd gave Andy his break into theatre, and he made 350 performances as special guest with the great comedian - who described him as ‘a one-man music festival’ - as well as working alongside stars such as Cannon & Ball, Joe Pasquale, Frank Skinner, Des O’Connor and Roy Hudd.
Andy’s one-man show is a popular attraction for cruise liners, and his tour schedule of major theatres and cabaret venues worldwide prompted The Stage to call him ‘the busiest man in show business’. He portrayed ukulele legend George Formby in over 1000 performances of the touring show We’ll Meet Again, and his festival appearances have taken him to Italy, Germany, Austria, Sweden, The Czech Republic, Finland and Oklahoma City, USA. Don’t miss your chance to see this unique entertainer in action!
Andy's YouTube Channel
Phil Doleman
Guest Ukulele Performer
Workshop Leader
Phil is one of the UK’s most respected and recognisable ukulele performers, educators, and writers, known for his powerful voice, intricate picking, and deep love of early blues, jazz, jug‑band, and vintage American roots music. His work spans performance, teaching, authorship, and instrument design, and he is widely regarded as a leading figure in the modern “third wave” of the ukulele revival. Phil began playing guitar and bass in his teens, performing in folk‑influenced bands around the Midlands. His introduction to the ukulele came in 2003, when he bought one simply because it would fit under his baby daughter’s pushchair—an act that unexpectedly launched his future career.
He quickly became captivated by the instrument, drawing inspiration from early 20th‑century musicians such as Charley Patton, Son House, Blind Blake, Roy Smeck, Cliff “Ukulele Ike” Edwards, and modern players like Del Rey. These influences shaped his distinctive blend of blues, hokum, jazz, and jug‑band styles
Guest Ukulele Performer
Workshop Leader
Phil is one of the UK’s most respected and recognisable ukulele performers, educators, and writers, known for his powerful voice, intricate picking, and deep love of early blues, jazz, jug‑band, and vintage American roots music. His work spans performance, teaching, authorship, and instrument design, and he is widely regarded as a leading figure in the modern “third wave” of the ukulele revival. Phil began playing guitar and bass in his teens, performing in folk‑influenced bands around the Midlands. His introduction to the ukulele came in 2003, when he bought one simply because it would fit under his baby daughter’s pushchair—an act that unexpectedly launched his future career.
He quickly became captivated by the instrument, drawing inspiration from early 20th‑century musicians such as Charley Patton, Son House, Blind Blake, Roy Smeck, Cliff “Ukulele Ike” Edwards, and modern players like Del Rey. These influences shaped his distinctive blend of blues, hokum, jazz, and jug‑band styles
Sputnik Weazel
Guest Ukulele Performer
Workshop Leader
Sputnik Weazel is an independent songwriter and performer whose music demonstrates just how expressive and versatile the ukulele can be. His songs are rooted in strong storytelling, memorable melodies and an acute eye for the absurdities of everyday life. Moving comfortably between poignant reflection, political commentary and dry humour, he creates work that is both deeply personal and universally recognisable.
Rather than treating the ukulele as a novelty instrument, Sputnik uses it as a vehicle for sophisticated songwriting and expressive performance. His distinctive style combines rhythmic drive, inventive playing and an engaging rapport with audiences, resulting in performances that feel both intimate and expansive. Every song reflects an individual
artistic voice that values originality, craftsmanship and connection above convention.
Sputnik Weazel continues to write, record and perform original material across the UK &
Europe, building a reputation as a singular voice within the contemporary independent
music scene.
Website: sputnikweazel.co.uk
Guest Ukulele Performer
Workshop Leader
Sputnik Weazel is an independent songwriter and performer whose music demonstrates just how expressive and versatile the ukulele can be. His songs are rooted in strong storytelling, memorable melodies and an acute eye for the absurdities of everyday life. Moving comfortably between poignant reflection, political commentary and dry humour, he creates work that is both deeply personal and universally recognisable.
Rather than treating the ukulele as a novelty instrument, Sputnik uses it as a vehicle for sophisticated songwriting and expressive performance. His distinctive style combines rhythmic drive, inventive playing and an engaging rapport with audiences, resulting in performances that feel both intimate and expansive. Every song reflects an individual
artistic voice that values originality, craftsmanship and connection above convention.
Sputnik Weazel continues to write, record and perform original material across the UK &
Europe, building a reputation as a singular voice within the contemporary independent
music scene.
Website: sputnikweazel.co.uk
Sarah Farren
Guest Ukulele Performer
Workshop Leader
Sarah (or Saz) is a passionate full-time ukulele teacher who works with students of all ages, from as little as 4 to 94!
Teaching ukulele for 10 years, she leads two adult ukulele jam groups (Southside Strummers & Rainbow Ukes), offers workshops, runs her own ukulele school for kids and adults, and shares her love for the instrument online through her YouTube channel.
With a deep belief in the ukulele's power to build community and bring joy, Saz is dedicated to helping others experience the transformative impact of music in their lives.
Saz's YouTube Channel
Guest Ukulele Performer
Workshop Leader
Sarah (or Saz) is a passionate full-time ukulele teacher who works with students of all ages, from as little as 4 to 94!
Teaching ukulele for 10 years, she leads two adult ukulele jam groups (Southside Strummers & Rainbow Ukes), offers workshops, runs her own ukulele school for kids and adults, and shares her love for the instrument online through her YouTube channel.
With a deep belief in the ukulele's power to build community and bring joy, Saz is dedicated to helping others experience the transformative impact of music in their lives.
Saz's YouTube Channel
Matthew Quilliam
Workshop Leader
Guest Ukulele Performer
Matthew Quilliam is one of the UK’s fastest‑rising ukulele performers, educators, and multi‑instrumentalist entertainers, known for his virtuosic playing, musical comedy, and genre‑spanning versatility. He is widely regarded as part of the new generation shaping the future of the ukulele scene.
Matthew first picked up the ukulele in 2011, quickly developing a fascination that led him to explore classical, jazz, pop, and theatrical performance styles. Since then he has expanded into guitar, banjo, saxophone, and other instruments, building the foundation for his multi‑instrumental stage persona
Workshop Leader
Guest Ukulele Performer
Matthew Quilliam is one of the UK’s fastest‑rising ukulele performers, educators, and multi‑instrumentalist entertainers, known for his virtuosic playing, musical comedy, and genre‑spanning versatility. He is widely regarded as part of the new generation shaping the future of the ukulele scene.
Matthew first picked up the ukulele in 2011, quickly developing a fascination that led him to explore classical, jazz, pop, and theatrical performance styles. Since then he has expanded into guitar, banjo, saxophone, and other instruments, building the foundation for his multi‑instrumental stage persona
Alex Mackenzie
Pentland Music
Guest Ukulele Performer
Alex is best known for his work on the accordion, for which he won multiple championships during his younger years. More recently the ukulele is his instrument of choice for most of his music-related projects. He is a keen teacher of both accordion and ukulele, and enjoys helping students to climb the ladder of their own musical journey. He enjoys exploring different styles with his ukulele playing, and is always enthusiastic about the prospect of the next piece that gets added to the repertoire. His new focus for 2025 is building up his YouTube channel and newly released Instagram page. Alex will be a featured player at some of the Festival events.
Alex's YouTube Channel
Alex's Instagram Page
Pentland Music
Guest Ukulele Performer
Alex is best known for his work on the accordion, for which he won multiple championships during his younger years. More recently the ukulele is his instrument of choice for most of his music-related projects. He is a keen teacher of both accordion and ukulele, and enjoys helping students to climb the ladder of their own musical journey. He enjoys exploring different styles with his ukulele playing, and is always enthusiastic about the prospect of the next piece that gets added to the repertoire. His new focus for 2025 is building up his YouTube channel and newly released Instagram page. Alex will be a featured player at some of the Festival events.
Alex's YouTube Channel
Alex's Instagram Page
Jo McParland
Ukulele Tutor
All the way from Northern Ireland, Jo McParland brings energy, warmth, and a serious love of the ukulele wherever she goes. Formerly Co-Lead of Belfast Ukulele Jam for 5 years, she made the move to Glasgow in November 2025 and has been spreading the uke joy ever since.
After picking up the ukulele with zero background in string instruments, Jo has spent the last 10+ years proving that anyone can learn and have a brilliant time doing it. She’s taught beginner classes with TWN in Northern Ireland and now leads and teaches with the Southside Strummers, alongside Ukulele Saz.
Expect big smiles, zero pressure, and plenty of feel-good tunes. Jo’s workshops are all about building confidence, getting stuck in, and reminding you why the ukulele is quite simply the most fun you can have with four strings
Ukulele Tutor
All the way from Northern Ireland, Jo McParland brings energy, warmth, and a serious love of the ukulele wherever she goes. Formerly Co-Lead of Belfast Ukulele Jam for 5 years, she made the move to Glasgow in November 2025 and has been spreading the uke joy ever since.
After picking up the ukulele with zero background in string instruments, Jo has spent the last 10+ years proving that anyone can learn and have a brilliant time doing it. She’s taught beginner classes with TWN in Northern Ireland and now leads and teaches with the Southside Strummers, alongside Ukulele Saz.
Expect big smiles, zero pressure, and plenty of feel-good tunes. Jo’s workshops are all about building confidence, getting stuck in, and reminding you why the ukulele is quite simply the most fun you can have with four strings
Katabatic Bloom bring a bold, soulful twist to the ukulele world, blending groove‑driven rhythms with warm, atmospheric tones. Their sound is shaped by harmony, pulse, and the wild energy of the Highlands — a band where ukuleles meet keys, bass, and drums to create something vibrant, contemporary, and unmistakably their own.
At the core of the group is Saz on ukulele, delivering bright melodic hooks and playful lead lines. Ember adds depth on baritone ukulele, grounding the band’s signature warmth. Erin on bass provides the groove that everything blooms from, while Carly on keys colours each track with texture and lift. Completing the sound is Adam on drums, driving the rhythm with precision, flair, and a soulful heartbeat.
Together, they craft music that feels both fresh and familiar — a fusion of ukulele charm, rhythmic intensity, and modern band energy. Whether on stage, in a festival tent, or in a cosy community venue, Katabatic Bloom bring a lively, feel‑good atmosphere that invites audiences to tap their feet, smile, and get swept up in the breeze.
At the core of the group is Saz on ukulele, delivering bright melodic hooks and playful lead lines. Ember adds depth on baritone ukulele, grounding the band’s signature warmth. Erin on bass provides the groove that everything blooms from, while Carly on keys colours each track with texture and lift. Completing the sound is Adam on drums, driving the rhythm with precision, flair, and a soulful heartbeat.
Together, they craft music that feels both fresh and familiar — a fusion of ukulele charm, rhythmic intensity, and modern band energy. Whether on stage, in a festival tent, or in a cosy community venue, Katabatic Bloom bring a lively, feel‑good atmosphere that invites audiences to tap their feet, smile, and get swept up in the breeze.
Saloha! are one of Finland’s most uplifting and colourful ukulele groups, bringing Nordic charm, tight harmonies and irresistible good humour to every stage they step onto. Based in the city of Salo, the group has become known across Scandinavia and beyond for their vibrant performances, clever arrangements, and a musical style that blends Finnish folk influences with the sunny spirit of Hawaiian ukulele culture.
What makes Saloha! stand out is their ability to create an atmosphere of instant connection. Their shows are full of energy, laughter, and beautifully blended voices, with a repertoire that moves effortlessly from traditional Finnish melodies to contemporary pop, folk classics, and joyful ukulele favourites. Whether performing on a festival stage or leading a workshop, they radiate warmth and inclusivity — the kind of group that makes every audience feel part of the music.
Saloha! have become regular travellers on the European ukulele circuit, sharing their music at festivals in Finland, Germany, the UK and beyond. Their performances are known for crisp musicianship, playful stage presence, and a genuine love of community music‑making. They are also passionate advocates for ukulele education, running sessions and workshops that encourage players of all ages and abilities to join in.
For audiences, Saloha! offer a perfect blend of Scandinavian cool and ukulele sunshine. For festival organisers, they bring professionalism, creativity, and a guaranteed feel‑good experience. And for anyone who loves the ukulele, they represent the best of what this instrument can do — bringing people together, lifting spirits, and spreading joy wherever they go.
Saloha! aren’t just a ukulele group. They’re a celebration of friendship, music, and the simple happiness of playing together.
What makes Saloha! stand out is their ability to create an atmosphere of instant connection. Their shows are full of energy, laughter, and beautifully blended voices, with a repertoire that moves effortlessly from traditional Finnish melodies to contemporary pop, folk classics, and joyful ukulele favourites. Whether performing on a festival stage or leading a workshop, they radiate warmth and inclusivity — the kind of group that makes every audience feel part of the music.
Saloha! have become regular travellers on the European ukulele circuit, sharing their music at festivals in Finland, Germany, the UK and beyond. Their performances are known for crisp musicianship, playful stage presence, and a genuine love of community music‑making. They are also passionate advocates for ukulele education, running sessions and workshops that encourage players of all ages and abilities to join in.
For audiences, Saloha! offer a perfect blend of Scandinavian cool and ukulele sunshine. For festival organisers, they bring professionalism, creativity, and a guaranteed feel‑good experience. And for anyone who loves the ukulele, they represent the best of what this instrument can do — bringing people together, lifting spirits, and spreading joy wherever they go.
Saloha! aren’t just a ukulele group. They’re a celebration of friendship, music, and the simple happiness of playing together.
Ian Chorlton - Poet
"The Ukulele Scribe"
Ian is a Scottish poet whose work blends gentle humour, sharp observation, and a deep affection for community life. A writer with an instinct for storytelling, Ian’s poetry ranges from playful ditties to reflective pieces that celebrate friendship, place, and the joy of ordinary people coming together. His style is warm, lyrical, and accessible—rooted in rhythm, character, and the spoken word. Whether he is writing about a windswept beach, a bustling rehearsal room, or the quiet triumph of someone learning their first chord, Ian’s work always carries a spark of humanity.
Beyond the ukulele world, Ian continues to write poetry inspired by the landscapes and people of the north of Scotland. His work reflects a lifelong love of language, a curiosity about the world, and a belief that poetry belongs to everyone. Thoughtful, witty, and quietly profound, Ian Chorlton stands as a unique voice in Scotland’s contemporary community arts scene—celebrating creativity not from a distance, but from right in the middle of it.
"The Ukulele Scribe"
Ian is a Scottish poet whose work blends gentle humour, sharp observation, and a deep affection for community life. A writer with an instinct for storytelling, Ian’s poetry ranges from playful ditties to reflective pieces that celebrate friendship, place, and the joy of ordinary people coming together. His style is warm, lyrical, and accessible—rooted in rhythm, character, and the spoken word. Whether he is writing about a windswept beach, a bustling rehearsal room, or the quiet triumph of someone learning their first chord, Ian’s work always carries a spark of humanity.
Beyond the ukulele world, Ian continues to write poetry inspired by the landscapes and people of the north of Scotland. His work reflects a lifelong love of language, a curiosity about the world, and a belief that poetry belongs to everyone. Thoughtful, witty, and quietly profound, Ian Chorlton stands as a unique voice in Scotland’s contemporary community arts scene—celebrating creativity not from a distance, but from right in the middle of it.
Marc Richards
Festival Photographer
Marc describes himself as a photographer with "too many years' experience in advertising, corporate, PR, architecture, construction progress, tourism, marine, aerial, & fine art". He is inspired and nourished by his craft, both as a creative expression of who he is and also as he documents and spotlights some of the wonderful, innovative events and activities amid the land and seascapes of Findhorn, Scotland. His focus is on community celebrations, ceremonies, individuals and creatives. He has a strong passion for social and climate justice: activism with Extinction Rebellion Photographers, Animal Rising & Vegan outreach are major areas of his voluntary work.
www.auroraimaging.eu
Festival Photographer
Marc describes himself as a photographer with "too many years' experience in advertising, corporate, PR, architecture, construction progress, tourism, marine, aerial, & fine art". He is inspired and nourished by his craft, both as a creative expression of who he is and also as he documents and spotlights some of the wonderful, innovative events and activities amid the land and seascapes of Findhorn, Scotland. His focus is on community celebrations, ceremonies, individuals and creatives. He has a strong passion for social and climate justice: activism with Extinction Rebellion Photographers, Animal Rising & Vegan outreach are major areas of his voluntary work.
www.auroraimaging.eu
Alex Wright
Festival Videographer
Alex started Flying Mirrors, a videography business, with his wife Sara 10 years ago. They began with just one DSLR camera and built up from there. Since then they have expanded to include photography and running online events. One of his favourite parts of the job is meeting people from all over the Highlands and seeing all the projects, charities and businesses that are doing amazing things. He says it feels like being part of one great big community which has so much goodwill.
www.flyingmirrors.com
Festival Videographer
Alex started Flying Mirrors, a videography business, with his wife Sara 10 years ago. They began with just one DSLR camera and built up from there. Since then they have expanded to include photography and running online events. One of his favourite parts of the job is meeting people from all over the Highlands and seeing all the projects, charities and businesses that are doing amazing things. He says it feels like being part of one great big community which has so much goodwill.
www.flyingmirrors.com
