Hundreds ready to strum those ukuleles

900 primary school kids, known as the Kiwileles, asemble in the shape of a Ukulele. Photo / Supplied

Twangs of the ukulele will be heard in Auckland next weekend, as hundreds of schoolchildren take part in the BNZ Ukulele Festival.

Around 900 children got together in the shape of their favourite instrument at Mt Smart Stadium to help promote the festival on Saturday.

Up to 5000 people are expected to turn out to this year's event - now in its third year - where various local and international ukulele artists will perform.

Event manager Richard Thorne said the festival was born out of an initiative where primary school children learn how to play the ukulele rather than the recorder.

"It's about the children's enthusiasm and it's about building that enthusiasm."

Mr Thorne said the ukulele was becoming increasingly popular with children who later went on to play other instruments such as the guitar.

"The kids all get to play at the festival. It's an embracing thing - getting kids in a group where they can participate and become confident with other children."

Food, competitions and giveaways will also feature at the event where artists including the Grey Lynn Ukuladies, Soifua String Band, Ireland's Jon Sanders and the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra will also play. The festival runs from 10am to 4pm at Mt Smart Stadium.