Newkulele Festival 2026 – Register to perform with the Ukastle Ukestra

The time to step up is now: it’s our turn to showcase our town and our wonderful musical community with the 2026 Newkulele Festival.

Who has registered? Click here.

This year the biannual festival is on the weekend of 21-23 August 2026. There will be two opportunities to perform and we ask you to choose which gig (Friday or Sunday) that you prefer to be a part of. However we may need to change your preference in consultation with you.

1. Friday 21 August at 5:30(ish)pm in the Harold Lobb Auditorium (Newcastle Conservatorium) as a welcomer to our main acts concert. (Performing with the ukestra does not give you a free  ticket to the concert).
2. Sunday 23 August at 4:30pm(ish) as the finale of the festival at the Carrington BC

We want as many ukestrans as possible to be part of one of our Ukastle Ukestra performances, no matter your skill level. And of course, attending ukestras regularly is pretty much vital (not just the rehearsals). Performing on Sunday will require that you have a weekend ticket.

Presumably you’ll also be volunteering, as this festival cannot happen without your support.

Rehearsals & Repertoire

We will have five rehearsals with a flat rehearsal fee whether you make one or all five ($25). We still need to confirm these with Jaci from the Carro Bowlo. The draft rehearsal dates are:

1. Sunday 12 July – Carrington BC 10am
2. Thursday 23 July  5.15-6.45pm at Carrington BC
3. Thursday 30 July 5:15-6:45pm at Carro Bowlo
4. Sunday 9 August – Carrington BC 10am
5. Sunday 16 August Carrington BC 10am

Proposed Repertoire

1. Chandelier
2. Burning Love
3. Buzzcut
4. Undressed
5. I don’t wanna be with nobody but you
6. You were meant for me
7. Hey Ya
8. It Must Be Love
9. Hoochie Coochie Man

Final repertoire choice depends upon a number of factors, but will be selected from the usual lovely array of songs (and singers) that we will do over the next few months.