UKULELE players are needed to help beat a world record this summer.

Hampshire Music Hub – a partnership led by Hampshire County Council’s (HCC) Music Service – is appealing for more than 2,000 players to help sing and strum their way into the record books for the largest ukulele ensemble in the world.

Ukulele players of all ages and abilities are invited to sign up for the event, which will take place at Southampton Football Club on July 18, from 1.30pm until 3pm.

The current record stands at 2,134 participants, set during the Leiland Grow Incorporated Ukulele Picnic at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Japan, in 2012.

Leading the record attempt will be Cbeebies’ actor and entertainer, Justin Fletcher MBE.

Jill Larner, head of Hampshire Music Service, said: “We have found that ukulele is very popular in whole class or group settings so we thought that aiming for a world record would be a good way to motivate learning and to end the school year.

“A planned series of learning leading up to the event is in full swing and we hope to stage other ukulele ensembles after this world record attempt.

“This will be a spectacular event that will enable hundreds of children to play and sing together in an atmospheric venue. Support from other ukulele players will be invaluable if we are to achieve the world record. Led by our Cbeebies superstar guest, I’m sure it will be an unforgettable opportunity to make history and bring the record to Hampshire.”

Councillor Keith Mans, executive lead member for children’s services at HCC, added: “The ukulele is enjoying something of a renaissance at the moment, with a growing number of people taking up the instrument. If you’re one of them, please join us. Apart from anything else, it promises to be enormous fun and could leave you with a record breaking claim to fame with a certificate for you to keep to mark the occasion.”

Entry is £6, or £3 for concessions and must be booked before June 1 by contacting Hampshire Music Service on 023 8065 2037 or emailing music.service@hants.gov.uk.