Ukulele Lessons Near Bolton
If you're based in Bolton and want to learn ukulele, Uke Group North runs welcoming sessions that are easily reachable from the town. We're a community interest company creating musical connections across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, with sessions that welcome everyone from complete beginners to experienced players.
Our approach is relaxed and community-focused - no pressure, just the joy of playing and singing together. We provide instruments if you don't have your own, and we help everyone progress at their own pace.
Getting to Our Sessions from Bolton
Bury Sessions - Your Closest Option
From Bolton, Bury is about 20 minutes by car via the A58, making our Bury sessions very accessible for Bolton residents.
Thursday Evenings at Wyldes - Perfect for after work:
- When: Every Thursday, 6:30pm-8pm
- Where: Wyldes, 4 Bolton St, Bury, BL9 0LQ
- Travel: 20 minutes by car
- Cost: £8 per person
Monday Mornings at Greenmount - Great community setting:
- When: Every Monday, 10:15am-11:15am
- Where: Greenmount Old School, Brandlesholme Road, Bury, BL8 4DS
- Travel: About 25 minutes by car from Bolton via A58
- Cost: £8 per person
Ramsbottom Sessions - Scenic Route
A lovely drive through the countryside takes you to our Ramsbottom sessions in about 30 minutes.
Tuesday Mornings at Ramsbottom Library:
- When: Tuesdays 10:30am-12pm
- Where: Ramsbottom Library, Carr St, Ramsbottom, BL0 9AE
- Travel: 30 minutes by car
- Cost: £8 per person
Tuesday Evenings at The Den:
- When: Tuesdays 5:30pm-7pm
- Where: The Den, 6 Stubbins Vale Road, Ramsbottom, BL0 0NT
- Travel: Same route as library sessions
- Cost: £8 per person
Why Travel to Our Sessions?
While it might seem easier to find something local, our sessions offer something special that's worth the short journey. We've built a real community of music lovers who've become genuine friends. The atmosphere is warm and encouraging, and you'll find yourself looking forward to these weekly gatherings.
Many of our members travel from various towns because they've found something here they couldn't find elsewhere - a place where music brings people together without competition or pressure.
What to Expect
Our sessions focus on playing and singing together using songbooks filled with popular tunes arranged for ukulele. You'll learn proper technique, chord progressions, and strumming patterns, but the real magic happens when everyone joins in together.
Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time or you've played before, you'll find your place in our group. We believe music should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone.
What to Bring
- Your ukulele (or let us know if you'd like to borrow one of ours)
- Our songbook - download the UGN Songbook (PDF) or bring it on a tablet
- Just yourself and a willingness to have some fun!
One-to-One Lessons with Ben
Looking for personal tuition? Ben, our founder and experienced musician, offers one-on-one ukulele lessons for learners of all ages. With nine years in a heavy metal band and performances at major festivals, Ben brings serious musical experience to the ukulele world - he's become obsessed with this cheerful instrument because it brings so much joy to everyone who plays it.
Ben's teaching style is friendly and laid-back, making him perfect for nervous beginners or those wanting to improve their technique. He travels to your location within about 20 minutes of Ramsbottom, which means he can reach Bolton depending on the exact location.
Lesson prices:
- 30 minutes: £20
- 60 minutes: £30
Contact us to discuss whether your Bolton location is within Ben's travel area.
Community Benefits
As a community interest company, we're committed to improving wellbeing through music and strengthening community connections. Our sessions provide routine, social contact, and the mental health benefits that come from group music-making.
Research shows that playing music together reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression while building confidence and social connections. The weekly routine gives people something positive to look forward to.
Book Your Place
Ready to give it a try? Get in touch via our contact page to book your place at any of our sessions. We recommend booking in advance as spaces are limited to ensure quality instruction.
All abilities welcome - beginners are especially encouraged to join us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth traveling from Bolton? Many of our members travel similar distances and tell us they wouldn't go anywhere else. The community we've built and the quality of sessions make the journey worthwhile.
Can I try a session before committing to regular travel? Absolutely! Come to one session and see if it works for you. No commitment required.
What if weather makes travel difficult? We understand that winter weather can affect travel. Sessions occasionally get cancelled for severe weather.
Do other people travel from Bolton? Yes! We have members from various towns who've found our sessions worth the journey.
Which session is best for Bolton residents? Thursday evenings at Wyldes in Bury are probably most convenient, being closest and at a time that works for most people. But any of our sessions would welcome you.
Can I bring a friend or family member? Of course! Many people bring partners or friends. It can make the journey more enjoyable and give you someone to practice with.
What if I'm nervous about joining? That's completely normal! Everyone was new once, and we pride ourselves on being welcoming. We'll look after you and help you settle in.
Do you ever run sessions closer to Bolton? Currently these are our regular weekly sessions, but we do occasionally run workshops in different locations. Email us to be kept informed of any special events.
What makes ukulele good for beginners? It's one of the most approachable instruments - easier than guitar to start with, portable, and perfect for group playing. Plus it always sounds cheerful!
How regular do I need to be? Come as regularly or occasionally as suits you. While regular attendance helps with progress, we understand people have different schedules and commitments.
