2026 PERFORMERS
The Galway Ukers and…Noriana Kennedy & Mad Uncle Harry: The Reunion & Album Launch
Join The Galway Ukers as they welcome a very special act to the stage for an unforgettable opening night. After a 14-year hiatus, the beloved folk collective Mad Uncle Harry is stepping back into the spotlight for a highly anticipated reunion.
Adding to the excitement of this special show, Noriana is releasing a brand-new Mad Uncle Harry collection of songs called 'Swing n Turn'. This record is a heartfelt tribute to the Galway folk scene, featuring recordings with a host of wonderful musicians who have performed with Noriana over the years. Learn more..
Southern Beauty & Marc Gallagher
Marc Gallagher returns to Galway Uke Fest a high-energy, genre-blending set built on sharp musicianship and a clear love of performance. A multi-instrumentalist with a background in pop, folk and everything in between, he has made the ukulele his instrument of choice, using it to deliver both inventive covers and original material.
Southern Beauty was founded by Alison Wheeler, Phil Southgate and Phillipa Leigh. This collective of accomplished musicians takes a fresh, imaginative approach to familiar material. Expect beautifully crafted interpretations of The Beautiful South’s catalogue, reworked through jazz, bossa nova and more experimental influences, alongside a selection of classic standards delivered with style and originality.
Together, this is a night that captures what Galway Uke Fest does best, showcasing the versatility of the ukulele and celebrating artists who push boundaries while keeping audiences fully engaged.
Charlie McGettigan & The Henry Girls
Charlie McGettigan brings his unmistakable voice and storytelling to the stage, with a set shaped by folk and traditional influences. Known for his Eurovision success and long career in music, he’s also a familiar face in the ukulele world, often incorporating the instrument into his performances.
Joining him are The Henry Girls – sisters Karen, Lorna and Joleen McLaughlin from Donegal. Their sound centres around close three-part harmonies, supported by a mix of instruments including harp, fiddle, accordion, ukulele, piano, tin whistle and mandolin.
Nursery Rhymes with Ukulele Simon & Marc Gallagher
Sun 21 Jun 2026 15:00 - 16:30
Don’t be fooled by the name, this is a high-energy, all-ages show built to get everyone on their feet.
Ukulele Simon is a festival favourite, known for high-energy performances that blend singing, beatboxing, live looping and ukulele into a rich, layered sound. His shows are full of pace, precision and musical surprises, often leaving audiences wondering how so much sound can come from one ukulele.
Marc Gallagher brings a different kind of energy, with a huge repertoire, sharp musicianship, and a style that moves easily between pop, folk and inventive covers. A seasoned performer, he knows exactly how to read a room and keep the momentum going.
Together, they create a lively, engaging show full of rhythm, audience interaction and plenty of surprises along the way.