IN A unique world record attempt more than 20 adventurous ukulele players have risked the heights to play atop Bendigo’s iconic poppet head.
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The daring members of Bendigo’s Uke Joint Jumpers scaled the heights in Rosalind Park for a quick windswept rendition of Caledonia to see just how many ukulele players could play at the top.
The stunt on Monday formed part of a quirky launch to the four-day Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival which starts on Thursday and will see more than 250 performances across 20 venues.
Group guide Pete Gavin said the Uke Joint Jumpers were looking forward to playing at the festival and hoped to recruit more members.
“It is good for you; it’s better than taking prozac," he said.
“There are so many depressed people around because they don’t own ukuleles.”
Director Colin Thompson said the festival had something for everyone.
“It is a community festival; but it is not a small festival, there is a lot going on," he said.
“We have been trying to concentrate on better rather than bigger.
“The uke group was brilliant; they just jump in and roll up their sleeves.
“That is the essence of the festival. It is as grass roots as you get."
