Louth festival extended after success of Claudia Winkleman TV show 'The Piano'
The popularity of the hit TV show, ‘The Piano’, has led to a new festival in Louth being extended.
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, ‘The Piano’ has been running for four seasons now on Channel 4, inviting amateur musicians to perform publicly on street pianos on the concourses of major UK railway stations.
Reflecting its success, the second Louth Piano Festival, to be held next month, has attracted so many performers that it will now run for an extra two hours.
Originally planned for 2 pm to 5 pm on Saturday, September 12 at the Conoco Room, above Louth Library, it will now start at 12 midday. There will be no entrance fee for spectators, but donations will be welcomed.
Maggie Mann, chair of the community group, Allegro Appassionato (AA), which has organised the event, said: “We are delighted that our piano festival has proved so popular.
"Last year’s three-hour event was a great success. But this year, already eight adults and seven children are down to play in a range of styles, including classical, pop and jazz.
"Performers, of grade three standard and above, will have a maximum of 15 minutes to play their chosen repertoire.
"It is a non-competitive event, and there are no prizes. The festival is simply a celebration of the piano.”
AA is a long-standing organisation run by volunteers. It provides weekly concerts, funded entirely by donations, in the Conoco Room.
The group takes special interest in encouraging young musicians, offering them a platform once they are ready for an audience and sometimes helping them in a small way financially.