Southampton Ukulele Jam host a red carpet event at the Harbour Lights to celebrate new film

The group formed almost ten years ago after founders Colin McAllister and Catherine Wright decided to see if there were more ukulele players in Southampton.

After an appeal on a community forum, there were 17 people at the first jamming session.

Now, almost a decade later, there are 100 members, ranging in age from 11 to 80.

The musical group meet fortnightly at the Talking Heads in Southampton.

Colin said: “The best thing about the group is that we have all found friendship and support through playing music.

“I am surprised how big it has become. We have bumbled from fortnight to fortnight but I am so pleased by the fact that so many people are willing to take the risk and sing their hearts out.”

The documentary film was created by Brighton Film School graduate Amiee Lupin and was financed through a crowd funding website.

Amiee interviewed the jammers to find out what originally brought them into the group, whilst unpicking individual members’ life stories.

Also featured on the film was English folk singer-songwriter Frank Turner, who has performed at gigs alongside the group.

Southampton Ukulele Jam do not charge for performances but ask event organisers to make a donation to charity instead; they have already raised more than £20,000.

“The members of Southampton Ukulele Jam benefits from the group but we also try to benefit the wider community by supporting local charities and causes,” said Colin.

Even the premiere was in aid of charity, with the group asking attendees to donate money towards No Limits and Society of St James.

“Last night was a fantastic celebration of what it is like to be a member of Southampton Ukulele Jam."

City council’s head of culture Councillor Satvir Kaur and Director of Culture James Gough also attended the red carpet event held on Thursday.

“It was fantastic to have the support of Cllr Kaur and James Gough, who both said some very kind words about the group,” said Colin.