Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Newcastle Piano Festival returns to Jesmond on 20–22 March (as well as the 9th May), bringing top pianists and community‑focused events back to the city.
Newcastle Piano Festival returns to Jesmond from 20–22 March (with an extra concert on 9 May), bringing world‑class pianists, emerging artists and community performers together for four days of concerts, workshops and hands‑on events. Now in its third year, the volunteer‑run festival continues to grow without public funding, driven by a belief that exceptional music should feel open, friendly and accessible.
This year’s programme features headline performances from Mia Odeleye — known from Channel 4’s The Piano — and rising star Khrystyna Mykhailichenko, who first arrived in the region as a Ukrainian refugee and now returns as a Royal Academy of Music scholar. They’re joined by David Murray & Eileen Bown, Venera Bojkova, Alison Gill, Yoshie Kawamura and a high‑energy two‑pianos‑and‑percussion finale, alongside family concerts, free workshops, a young‑artist mentorship showcase and an informal Composer Circle of new contemporary piano music.
A major new addition for 2026 is 100 free tickets for under‑18s, funded by an international donation from Belgian music supporter Christophe Hemeryck, helping remove financial barriers for young audiences. All events take place at Jesmond United Reformed Church, with relaxed café‑style performances, accessible facilities and opportunities for visitors to sit down and play.
