The tall rafters of Heartlands will be raised with a chorus of ukuleles next year, when hundreds of ukulele enthusiasts from across the south west gather and tune-up for the second Cornwall Ukulele Festival.

This year’s inaugural festival was a resounding success with capacity crowds filling The Mill, Penzance, for performances, advice, lessons and jam sessions.

The ukulele is a Hawaiian instrument introduced by Portuguese immigrants, resembling a small guitar with just four strings, that has recently undergone a renaissance.

Festival organiser Dave Ireland said: “We are all really excited about the upcoming ukulele festival at Heartlands. Last February’s concert exceeded all our expectations and we have drawn together a fantastic team to make next February’s festival and concert bigger and even better.”

The festival, organised by west Cornwall’s own Dancing Flea Orchestra, will open its doors from 1pm, with free entry and free parking.

The afternoon promises a mixture of ukulele workshops, including one with guest artist, Andy Eastwood, jam sessions, open mic spots, film shows while the Penzance-based Music Box will be providing Dr Uke advice and repair sessions.

Dave added: “Playing the ukulele is lots of fun and, as over 250 happy people can attest, last February’s festival and evening concert was a resounding and joyful success.

“Next February’s festival will be even bigger and the location of the Heartlands venue will attract players and singers of all ages from the whole of Cornwall and beyond.”

Local ukulele bands will be playing throughout the afternoon with outfits from Camborne, St Ives, St Agnes, Constantine, Looe, Lostwithiel and Falmouth booked to entertain. A licensed bar will be provided and food and refreshments will be available all afternoon.

In the evening, there is a grand concert featuring renowned ukulele player and singer Andy Eastwood. Andy is a virtuoso ukulele and ukulele-banjo specialist whose remarkable stage act features high-energy vocal and instrumental artistry.

Andy will be supported by Plymouth-based trio The Ukeabillies, who promise to bring Uke N’ Roll to the masses.

The 2017 Cornwall Ukulele Festival will be held at Heartlands, Pool, on Sunday, February 5, 2017.

The evening concert starts at 7pm, and tickets priced £10 can be bought through Cornwall Riviera Box Office at www.crbo.co.uk or on 01726 879500 from January 1, 2017.