From 18 April – 26 May 2024, the Manchester Jazz Festival Piano Trail is back!

14 free-to-access pianos are dotted throughout Manchester to encourage all passers-by to play, and one of those pianos can be found in our very own arcade towards the St Ann’s Square entrance.

The mission of the trail is to inspire all within the Manchester community to come together and share in the joy of music-making. 

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “This city region has music running through its veins, and helping connect people to new musical experiences and supporting talented musicians has always been so important to us. The mjf2024 piano trail will take music back out onto the streets of Manchester, giving more people the chance to try their hand at playing and to encounter the vibrant music of our city in a unique way.”

The best bit? The competition to find Manchester’s best street pianists is back for 2024, and amazing prizes include a digital Yamaha P-145 piano.

To enter, simply film yourself playing a song of your choice at The Royal Exchange piano or any of the 14 Piano Trail venues across town, and upload your musical creation to your Facebook, Instagram, or X Feed. For entries to be considered, please make sure to tag Manchester Jazz Festival (@manchesterjazzfestival, @manjazzfest) and use the hashtag #mjfpianotrail2024. The competition closes at midnight on Sunday 26 May.

For more information about the Piano Trail, including competition T&Cs and a full line-up of activities, please visit manchesterjazz.com/mjf2024-piano-trail/