They love to HUG in Headcorn – especially at Christmas.

The Headcorn Ukulele Group (HUG) is so popular it has had to move to a bigger venue to cope with the numbers of people wanting to come along and simply can’t take any more.

It’s easy to see why so many people want to join the fun group, which was started by professional musician George Bartle last year and now has 45 members.

Most had never picked up a ukulele until they signed up.

George, who lives in the village, said: “I play lots of instruments but I was looking for one I could sit and play with my children. It’s very easy to get started, although it’s not an easy instrument. But it’s easy to get going – there’s a lot you can do with three chords. It’s enough for people to join in.”

Last year a handful of members played for the Headcorn Christmas lights switch on in the village.

This year there’ll be out in force for the Victorian themed evening on Friday, November 27.

“I wanted it to be a village thing and very much a community group and I think that’s what we’ve got,” said George.

It’s been so successful, it has outgrown its rehearsal room in the Methodist church hall and will move to the village hall soon.

“They enjoy the singing,” said George.

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously – we just have a good time. It is a nice night out. We’re not a professional group. We have a thoroughly good time and we enjoy ourselves. And it shows when we perform.”

They will also be staging a ukulele bash at the White Horse pub in the village on Saturday, December 19.

Christmas lights switch ons across Kent