An invitation first instigated back in 2008 when artist Luke Jerram placed 15 pianos across the city of Birmingham to act as a catalyst for conversation. With a goal of bringing people together, whilst enticing would-be musicians to share their passion, the concept of public pianos has been a runaway success.
Since those early years more than 2,000 street pianos have been installed in over 70 cities worldwide – and enjoyed by more than 20 million people!
And that’s just the beginning.
More recently the piano has continued to garner attention and is now firmly one of the nation’s favourite instruments to play, resulting in more and more people choosing to buy a piano and join in the fun
Going public
Such has been the success of the ‘Play me, I’m yours’ programme, cities have embraced the idea with similar initiatives popping up all over the country.
Examples include, Liverpool’s popular ‘Tickle the Ivories’, which is set to return this summer with free-to-use pianos in key locations – you can even book a performance time online.
In Manchester, there’s the popular MJF festival. With a simple mission to unite people over the joy of music making, 14 pianos are located over the city. This hugely popular event includes a full lineup of activities including a piano walking trail, concerts, and the chance to win great prizes. This year’s event was held in June but it’s a must for all piano enthusiasts, so be sure to earmark the date for next year!
#Platform 88 was a famous favourite in London. A joint initiative between Transport for London and Yamaha, it ran for several years introducing pianos across the tube network delighting commuters and sparking musical journeys – in every sense! Whilst this is no longer running, pianos can still regularly be found in several locations across the capital.
Search public pianos to find events near you and get involved!
Prime time pianos
But it’s not just enthusiasm for street playing that has brought pianos into the public eye.
During 2023’s Glastonbury Festival, a classic Yamaha piano accompanied Sir Elton John on the Pyramid Stage for a performance hailed as ‘the greatest ever’ headline act to perform.
Showing no signs of fading into the background, during 2024 pianos again made the headlines, this time stealing the limelight alongside Cold Play’s, Chris Martin.
And if festivals and street music have passed you by, chances are you’ll have seen Channel 4’s The Piano.
With the second series now streaming – this popular reality show features Claudia Winkleman, classical pianist Lang Lang, and popstar Mika, and is yet another example of how piano playing is extending its appeals and engaging with a whole new generation of players.
Get involved
Not sure a public performance is quite your thing? Or already had a go and keen to play more?
Whether you’ve sampled a street piano and it’s sparked a new passion, you picture your name in lights at Glasto in future years, or you’ve watched The Piano contestants from the sidelines of your settee and feel inspired – piano playing is more accessible than ever!
With piano dealers offering competitive deals to rent or buy a piano, now is a great time to invest.
Offering competitive rental and buying options, with UK-wide delivery and an impressive 30-day trial period, visit trusted piano dealers Richard Lawson Pianos for great deals on a huge range of instruments.
And be quick. The hunt is already on for contestants for the third series of The Piano. Buy a piano today, start practising, and who knows what 2025 may bring…
