Music That Tells a Story (Interactive Family Concert)

A musical way to start your Saturday, with melodies that will stay in your head all day… and beyond. Hop like a kangaroo, stomp like a troll and glide like a mysterious creature swimming in the ocean!

Fasten your seatbelts as we set off on a musical adventure to faraway lands in search of the missing glissando! Where should we explore first — the circus tent, the lion enclosure at the zoo, the depths of the ocean, or the deepest, darkest woods? Along the way, we’ll meet strange and wonderful characters, uncover musical clues, and have plenty of fun as we journey ever closer to finding the missing glissando.

Blending movement, imagination and live music, the session invites children to explore melodies in a way that feels natural, joyful and memorable. Children will also have the chance to play the festival piano and become part of the story themselves.

Festival director Annie Ball draws on over two decades of teaching and performing experience to create an engaging, playful introduction to piano music for younger listeners.

Children of all ages and their families are welcome.

Layla’s Kitchen Café will be open after the concert, offering delicious, child-friendly treats.

About the Newcastle Piano Festival

Newcastle Piano Festival is the city’s only dedicated piano festival, returning in March 2026 for its third edition. Produced by Semibreve CIC, the festival brings together outstanding artists, inspiring programmes and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere in the heart of Jesmond.

Founded in 2023 with no public funding, the festival has grown through community support, volunteer commitment and a belief that exceptional music should feel open, friendly and accessible to all. Alongside headline concerts, the programme includes family events, participatory workshops and opportunities to discover new and under-represented voices.

Festival Atmosphere & Piano Spaces

Throughout the weekend, audiences can also enjoy informal café-style piano performances, generously supported by Bonners Piano Centre, who are loaning the festival an acoustic upright piano. A digital piano with headphones will also be available in the box office / café area, inviting visitors of all ages and abilities to sit down and play in an informal, pressure-free setting. The relaxed cafe performances on Saturday will start at 10.30, following this event.

Venue, Access & Parking

All events take place at Jesmond United Reformed Church, Burdon Terrace, Jesmond. The venue is step-free and accessible.

There is free on-street parking in nearby residential streets during evenings and on Sundays. At other times, parking is available locally at approximately 60p per hour. Jesmond Metro station is also within easy walking distance.

Layla’s Kitchen Café will be open at selected times during the festival, with drinks available from the bar for evening events.

Make a Weekend of It

Most events are included in our Weekend Pass, offering access to all public concerts and events across 20–22 March 2026. If you’re planning to attend more than one event, the Weekend Pass offers the best value and the chance to fully immerse yourself in the festival experience.

Our Partners & Year-Round Community

Newcastle Piano Festival is proudly supported by Bonners Newcastle Piano Centre, Layla’s Kitchen, The Maestro Online, and Let’s Play Piano — a friendly, monthly piano meetup that takes place at the festival venue and welcomes pianists of all backgrounds and abilities.

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