First held in 2017, Cały Poznań Ukulele has since witnessed a remarkable rise in the number of fans of this small, four-stringed instrument. That was exactly what Piotr Kończal, the festival's chief organiser, had hoped to achieve. "The ukulele has the power to bring people together, win them over, and put smiles on their faces," he told the monthly IKS. "That is what distinguishes this instrument from all others. People aren't intimidated because they don't take it very seriously," he added.
The festival has grown substantially in recent years. This year's edition opens on 4 June with a ukulele night at Muzyka na Nowo. On Friday afternoon (5 June, 5:55 pm), the stage at Plac Wolności will come to life. Audiences can look forward to playing and singing along with Belmuza, Orzeuk and Wujek Skarpetka, Granko z Ranko, and four other performances. At 10:30 pm, back at Muzyka na Nowo, Sancho y Diego will present a concert in memory of PPNOU, Poznań's First Non-Symphonic Ukulele Orchestra.
On Saturday (12 noon), in keeping with festival tradition, a bugle call will be played on the ukulele from the Town Hall tower. An hour later, Plac Wolności will host 13 performances. Many of the artists have appeared at the festival in previous years and are returning to say their goodbyes. They include Rita Braga, Ukupolalele, Avei Varu with Hinatea, and the Ukulele Boboys. The day will end with an uku party featuring Dizzy Boyz and Daniel Moszczyński.
On 7 June at 5.30 pm, audiences can look forward to another edition of the Uku at the Opera project, which brings together classical music and the ukulele in an unexpected pairing. Sunday will also feature further performances by bands that have been regular fixtures at the festival over the years, including Ukubanda, Senioruki and Ukulelowe Łejery. The wide age range is living proof that this is an instrument for everyone. Throughout the festival, visitors can also stop by the Ukulele Clinic in the Ukubus, where Tomek Grdeń will be on hand to offer practical playing tips. On both Saturday and Sunday, the Open Mic stage will provide an opportunity to showcase your own skills, while the Meinl Park free-play zone will offer space for more informal musical encounters.
The festival's finale at Muzyka na Nowo (7 June, 7 pm) will feature a concert by Uku' Family Dead Mans Uke and Friends. The event's slogan says it all: "Don't cry - let's have fun!". I cannot promise that I won't shed a tear...
Agnieszka Nawrocka
translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski
"Cały Poznań Ukulele" Festival
venues: Muzyka na Nowo, Plac Wolności, Stary Rynek
4-7.08
© Wydawnictwo Miejskie Posnania 2026
