A group of people in far north Queensland have failed in their bid to set a new world record for the largest number of people to play the ukulele together at once.

Ukulele players from across Australia and abroad crammed onto the front lawn of a Cairns pub late yesterday to play the calypso-style tune Iko Iko.

They were trying to snatch London's record of 851 simultaneous strummers, but fell short by just 40.

It was Cairns' second attempt at the record, and organiser Gaby Thomasz says they got closer than last year.

"It's the most amazing feeling to see that many people of all ages and backgrounds having a good time and making music together," she said.

She says she is confident they will snatch the record next year.

"We'll be trying again. If the trend continues, we'll definitely beat it next year," she said.