NOW into its fourth decade, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is a group of all-singing, all-strumming ukulele players who believe that every musical genre can be played on their much maligned instrument. “The Ukes” have played such iconic venues as New York’s Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera house and Glastonbury Festival.

The Friends of the King’s Hall and Winter Garden are delighted to announce that these fabulous musicians will make a pit stop at the King’s Hall on Friday, October 26.

Their special show commemorates the centenary of the end of the Great War. “When this Lousy War is Over” will recall the First World War in popular songs of the time such as Snoopy v’s the Red Baron, Roses of Picardy, and Has anybody seen the Germans?

The programme will explore the musical styles of the period including George Formby, African and Chinese music, a suffragette song, Dada Cabaret, and a British song about a German band.

Every concert by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is a funny, moving, twanging, foot stomping obituary for rock-n-roll and melodious entertainment. There are no drums, pianos, backing tracks or electronic trickery; only the astonishing revelation of a rich palette of orchestration afforded by ukuleles, plus some singing (and a bit of whistling).

Audiences have a good time with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Using instruments of varying sizes and whether playing intricate melodies, simple tunes or complex chords, the orchestra reveals unsuspected musical insights. You may never think about music in the same way once you’ve been exposed to The Ukes’ depraved musicology.

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain plays Ilkley’s King’s Hall on Friday 26th October at 7.30pm. Tickets from £20 to £27 will be on general sale from Tuesday 3rd July at the Visitor Information Centre, Station Road, Ilkley, Tel 01943 602319.