Piano in Weston-Super-Mare shopping centre hoped to inspire generations

The installation of the new piano at the 'Piano Zone' in the Sovereign Shopping Centre has been inspired by a TV show - and was officially unveiled over the weekend

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 21st Mar 2023
Last updated 9th Jun 2024

Weston-Super-Mare has a brand-new installation - and it's a piano.

Shoppers and visitors heading through the Sovereign Shopping Centre might think something sounds a little different, and that's because it does, with the piano which has taken over a retail unit for the next six weeks.

Over the weekend, the official launch ceremony saw a large gathering of people come down to the shopping centre for the official unveiling of the piano.

It's been installed to inspire more people across our region to get playing - and provide the place for those who've never had the opportunity to perform to do so.

The idea behind installing the instrument follows the Channel 4 TV show - The Piano – a show that features talented amateur pianists performing music in public at selected train stations.

The piano will be at The Sovereign in Weston town centre until April 29.

Until then, there will be community performances by local pianist Paul Johnson who will play in the mall area to celebrate the opening - as well as the chance for anyone to get up and play it.

Alan Smith, Manager at The Sovereign, said “When we were asked to be involved in this project we jumped at the chance to create something special that will be enjoyed by all members of the local community. The shop unit will also have art supplied by Weston Museum and Weston College as part of a wider local engagement programme.”

The Sovereign is part of Weston’s Placemaking Strategy which is delivering improvements to key sites within the town and encouraging inward investment.

You can find The Piano Zone open in The Sovereign between the 18th March until the 29th April 2023.

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