A group of Canberra ukulele enthusiasts have celebrated 10 years of operation with a festival named after one of the capital's most iconic sounds.
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The Gang Gang Twang, named for the cockatoo that features as the ACT's faunal emblem, took over the Ainslie Arts Centre on Saturday in celebration of the instrument.
The Ukulele Republic of Canberra marked a decade since its founding with more than a dozen performances and workshops.
Almost 200 people gathered for the mini-festival, which also allowed newcomers to try out and purchase their first uke.
A swap, sell and donate stand for old instruments, clothing, books or CDs was set up to raise funds for schoolchildren in East Timor.
The event drew people from Goulburn and the south coast to share in the celebrations.
Organiser Charlie Chan said one of the best parts of the day came from hearing the different styles with which the ukulele could be played.
"Everyone's impressed with what the uke can do," he said.
"The very different styles of ukulele players have been great, there's a very eclectic group of musicians."
Workshops on playing covered topics ranging from the blues and percussion for bands, to strumming and singing.
Children got into the spirit as well, some picking up the ukulele for the first time.
Local and international acts included Ukenasia, Small Hat Big Country, Luncheleles, Ukelikelys and a finale from the Ukelele Republic of Canberra act itself.
The 10th anniversary celebrations included a visit from Ukulele Republic of Canberra founder Steve Matheson, who drove from Adelaide to be part of the festivities.
Since its founding, the group has held jams three times a month and boasts a performance group that takes to the National Folk Festival each year.
Mr Chan said the ukulele was becoming increasingly popular in the city, with newcomers keen to learn the ropes with the group.
The Ukulele Republic of Canberra Meetup page boasts 869 "ukesters", of which about 100 are active members.
"There are quite a few groups in Canberra now, three to four groups," he said.
"At this festival we had people coming from all over the place."
