As Liverpool ONE marks its 13th birthday tomorrow, Saturday, it promises lots to look forward to not just this weekend but in the months ahead too, as further lockdown restrictions are lifted and everyone starts to enjoy a little more freedom.
To kick-start the birthday celebrations, the Tickle the Ivories pianos which Liverpool ONE has become famous for, are out in full forte!
Performers will be taking to the keys all weekend, including Liverpool ONE’s very own viral star, Harrison Crane, who will be giving visitors a taste of his 90s dance renditions on Sunday. The young sensation racked up millions of views across social media in 2019 following his Tickle the Ivories performance.
Also putting on a show this bank holiday weekend is Liverpool treasure Frank McFarlane, a blind pianist who has been taking part in the piano festival for many years. Frank, who will perform on Monday, is well known from starring in the 12 hour charity piano-athon hosted by Liverpool ONE.
The festival, now in its 11th year, will remain at Liverpool ONE throughout June and July, bringing musical joy and happiness to visitors as they shop, dine and enjoy a day out with family and friends – something we have longed for, for a very long time!
Due to Government lockdown restrictions, Tickle the Ivories was scaled back to just two pianos last year on its 10th anniversary, making this year’s event all the more anticipated!
The much-loved piano festival has returned to Liverpool ONE every year for just over a decade, with pianos placed around the retail and leisure destination for musicians and amateurs to show off their skills.
Three pianos are currently out at Liverpool ONE, with a further two being added on June 21st providing the Government’s road map out of lockdown continues to go to plan.
The free-to-use pianos are located on the Terrace by the Galleria Entrance, by Sugar House Steps outside John Lewis, on College Lane and in Peter’s Square, with all performers licensed to busk, meaning anything they earn, they keep.
The additional pianos will be placed in South John Street and Paradise Street.
Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:
“Celebrating our 13th birthday with the return of Tickle is just fantastic! It’s an honour to be marking another milestone here at Liverpool ONE and it wouldn’t be our birthday if it didn’t fall in line with Tickle the Ivories which so many people have grown to love.
“Bringing back Tickle the Ivories is something we have looked forward to since the festival was scaled down last year for the first time in a decade.
“Liverpool is known for its incredibly rich musical talent and is full of undiscovered stars, which is why we want to encourage our visitors to come along and get involved, whether that be seasoned performers or simply those who want to give it go.”
Since its launch in 2010, Tickle the Ivories has seen famous faces, such as Diana Krall take to the keys, as well as 12-year-old Harrison who went viral in 2019, hitting over a million views on social media with his renditions of 90s dance hits.
The festival has also racked up millions of views of its own on social media in previous years, with delighted shoppers and visitors sharing videos and images of impromptu performances.
For further information or to book a slot, visit: www.liverpool-one.com/events/tickle
