Classical music fans saw and heard a world first last night (August 18th) as the sound of over a thousand ukuleles filled the Royal Albert Hall.

Some 6,000 people attended to see the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain make its debut at the Proms, while audience members were even encouraged to bring their own instruments and join in as the orchestra played Beethoven's Ode to Joy.

Versions of Saint-Saens' Danse Macabre and Wagner's Ride of the Valkries were also performed, while the eight-piece orchestra also entertained the crowd with a singalong rendition of The Sex Pistols' Anarchy in the UK.

Organisers believe the event represents an unofficial record for the biggest number of ukuleles played at once.

The ukulele began life in the 19th century as a Hawaiian interpretation of a guitar-like instrument brought to the island by Potuguese immigrants, finding popularity among jazz musicians during the 1920s.