A NEW ukulele group is starting up in Salisbury next month. Salisbury Ukulele Group welcomes players of all abilities to the weekly sessions at Salisbury Arts Centre on Monday afternoons.

Run by Robin Walter, guitarist from jazz band Misbehavin’, the Salisbury Ukulele Group follows in the footsteps of a successful Shaftesbury band, which has been running since early 2012.

The group is now a regular fixture at local events such as Gold Hill Fair and the arts festival.

Mr Walter said: “The ukulele has recently swept the nation, from schools to concert halls, with its irresistible, cheeky appeal.

It is easy to learn, requires no reading of music, and is especially fun to play in a group.

Also, it won’t break the bank to have a go, as instruments and sessions are affordable. Ukes are provided for first-timers to try out.

“Anyone who has played a guitar will find it easy, but even if you have never played an instrument before, you can quickly pick it up,” he added. “The main aim is to have fun playing music together.”

The sessions will be divided into beginners and intermediate.

In the first hour, from 2pm to 3pm, beginners will run through the basics, chord positions, practicing changes and singing easy songs.

In the second hour the intermediates play more complex songs and arrangements.

“Singing is not compulsory, but it is extra fun,” said Mr Walter. Salisbury sessions start on March 3 and run every week in school term times.

Contact Robin Walter on 07824 552414 for more information.