Manchester’s annual jazz festival will return to the city this month, and in preparation, a trail of 13 pianos have been scattered around the city. The pianos are free to play for all and could offer you the chance at some amazing prizes.
The pianos have been donated by a partnership between festival organisers and the Forsyth music shop, on Deansgate. The festival will take place this month between May 20 and May 29, with the pianos already dotted around for you to try your talent.
There are no rules on who can play the pianos and who can enter the competition. At the end of the trail, Manchester jazz festival (mjf) and Forsyth’s will pick nine winners based on creativity, ingenuity and the best performance.
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The organisers are not only looking for the next Mozart, but perhaps Billy Joel or Elton John as well. Even if all you can play is the Eastenders theme or the terrifying trickle of notes in Jaws, give it a go with a touch of pazzazz and you could be a winner.
To enter, simply film a video of yourself playing a tune on one of the pianos and upload it to your Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, and tag @ manchesterjazzfestival, using the hashtag #mjfpianotrail .
The prizes up for grabs include a Yamaha digital piano P-45B, a meal for four including a pre or post drink at Doner Haus, a £50 bar tab at Lion’s Den on Deansgate, afternoon tea for two at the Manchester Art Gallery and 20 Stories, four tickets anytime to anywhere on the northern rail network, a prize package from Media City Uk, and for all winners, a £30 Wagamama gift voucher, plus more.
A post shared on the website of Forsyth’s by the manager, Emma Loat, said: “For many years, we’ve had a street piano at the front of the Forsyth’s shop on Deansgate so we know that Manchester and the surrounding areas is full of talented musicians and those willing to have a go.
“We’re really excited to supply 13 pianos for the mjf piano trail and we’d urge all those budding performers to come forward, have a go and be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes.”
The 13 piano’s are spread about the city at: The Arndale Centre, The Corn Exchange, Forsyth’s Music shop, Great Northern, Harvey Nichols, Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Central Library, Manchester Piccadilly Station, Quayside Media City UK, Royal Exchange Arcade, Spinningfields, The Trafford Centre, and Manchester Victoria Station.
