New “Piano for the People” unveiled in Longford

A new public piano has been introduced in Longford Shopping Centre by the county council.

The brightly coloured “Piano for the People” was officially unveiled by Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Turlough McGovern on Monday, just in time for International Piano Day celebrations tomorrow (Wednesday).

The piano, which was sourced and funded through Longford County Council Arts Service, is kindly supported and hosted by Longford Shopping Centre. Visitors to the shopping centre will spot the brightly coloured piano straight away as it has been rendered with a beautiful, commissioned mural by local artist Phil Atkinson.

Speaking at the launch Cathaoirleach McGovern said: “Public pianos breathe life into cities all around the world, from Boston to Berlin, Barcelona to Brisbane. And now, why not Longford, Ireland. We look forward to seeing players and listeners gather, to share songs, stories and time together.”

Welcoming the public piano, Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said: “This wonderful initiative by our Arts Office is a fantastic addition to the work already being done to create warm and vibrant civic spaces around Longford town and we are thrilled that Longford Shopping Centre has provided such a great location.”

Manager of Longford Shopping Centre Samuel Byrne added: “Longford Shopping Centre has played an integral part of community life in Longford for many years, regularly hosting local music groups and choral performances as well as charitable events. We are delighted to be participating in this project and we love to see people gathering to the power of music. It sustains communities, and this piano will create a wonderful focal point, allowing people to share songs and stories from their place.”

Arts Officer Fergus Kennedy said: “Getting a piano into a public place like Longford Town Shopping Centre has been a labour of love. We encourage all ebony and ivory tinklers, bringers of nocturnes, ragtime, jazz, trad and come-all-ye’s to join in the fun.”

There are 88 keys on a piano and International Piano Day takes place on the 88th day of the year, Wednesday, March 29.

The piano is located on the ground floor in Longford Shopping Centre, easily accessible to all citizens. It is available to be played by members of the public during Centre opening hours.

For further information, check out Longfordcoco.ie or follow Longford County Council on social media.