A NEW music venture has enjoyed a successful launch and is continuing to attract more and more people every week.

Ukulele Jam was the vision of local music coachesDan Budd and Jonathan Darley, who work for FunkyPunk Music.

Up to 15 budding ukulele players turned up on the first evening at Origin Cafe in Turnberries Community Centre in Thornbury on January 30.

Since then more and more people have been turning up on a weekly basis to try it out.

Speaking at the launch Mr Budd said: "We were hoping for ten people to come along and check us out with hopefully a few of those wanting to keep coming each week, but we've been overwhelmed by the response.

"We've welcomed fifteen budding musicians through our doors, with new faces each time. And the mixture of ageshas been incredible, with people from seven to seventy coming along to try our jam sessions out."

The group has been set up by FunkyPunk Music to create a fun environment for locals to learn to play the ukulele and then have opportunities to perform in public.

"Almost all of those who have come each week have had little or no experience playing the ukulele, so we are starting from scratch. But I think within three or four months, we will be at a place where we could be playing in public, and spreading our ukulele joy."

Building on the success of Ukulele Jam which caters for all ages, FunkyPunk are now looking to attract younger musicians with the launch of Jam Sessions which will run each week, an hour earlier than Ukulele Jam.

"Through our partnership with Krunch South West who run the youth centre at Turnberries, we have obtained funding to run a weekly ukulele group for young people and children. We have also been able to purchase a number of instruments so they don't even need to own a ukulele at first."

Jam Sessions will take place each week on Thursdays from 6-7pm at Origin Cafe and is aimed at children who are in school and young people. The costs have been subsidised by Krunch South West to allow the places to be offered at just £3 per week.

A taster session is being offered during half-term next week on Wednesday February 19. More information at www.funkypunk.org.uk or email office@funkypunk.org.uk