Maine Uke Festival

Maine Uke Festival: Ukulele in the Spotlight in Mayenne

Since 2013, the village of Saint-Denis-d'Anjou has been vibrating to the sound of the ukulele thanks to the Maine Uke Festiv'Halles, a one-of-a-kind festival in France. Born from the passion of a group of musicians based in this small village in Mayenne, this event has become a must-attend gathering for lovers of this joyful and friendly instrument, attracting visitors from all over France and even Europe.

The Story of a Passion

It all began when ukulele enthusiasts settled in Saint-Denis-d'Anjou and founded the V.O.U.S. (Véritable Orchestre de Ukulélé de Saint Denis d'Anjou). With the support of the municipality and the tourist office, they proposed to organize a festival around this instrument. The first edition, in May 2013, hosted the prestigious Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain for their only date in France that year.

A Festive and Musical Program

The Maine Uke Festival offers a weekend full of activities:

• Concerts by international and local ukulele artists
• Comprehensive Masterclasses and introductory sessions for beginners
• Open Stage (open mic) for passing musicians
• Ukulele Parade through the village streets
• Giant musical Flash Mob
• Luthier Exhibitions: discover and try out handmade instruments
• Local Produce Market and vegetarian catering
• Raffle and festive entertainment

Varied Musical Themes

Each edition explores a different musical theme. The festival has notably highlighted the mandolin and Italian music (2015), the banjo and American and Irish music (2017), broadening its horizons while keeping the ukulele at the heart of the celebration.

Under the Market Halls of Saint-Denis-d'Anjou

The festival takes place mainly under the magnificent wooden market halls of Saint-Denis-d'Anjou, a warm and friendly heritage setting that gives the event a unique atmosphere. The Place des Halles becomes the beating heart of the festival, where musicians, luthiers, spectators, and curious visitors gather.

A Mobilized Village

The Maine Uke Festival mobilizes numerous volunteers from the village and surrounding areas. This participatory and local dimension makes the festival a true community event, driven by the enthusiasm of the inhabitants of Saint-Denis-d'Anjou.