Why?
Pianists spend a lot of time on their own, rarely meeting one another in the way other instrumentalists do. We know that many people play and enjoy the happiness of music making at the piano. It is an accessible activity with benefits for all ages and abilities.
This event is about more than breaking records. The organisers are fundraising to acquire a world class, high quality piano for the community of Newark. This instrument would be for the benefit of learners, performers and audiences alike. Following the restoration work phase of the Reawakening of St Mary Magdalene, the piano would be housed in the heart of the community at St Mary’s when the church reopens. This event will shine a spotlight on the affection that many have for the piano. This is your chance to:
- Break a local record
- Celebrate the joy of piano playing with others
- Support fundraising
You are welcome to:
- Fundraise towards the Newark community piano
- Fundraise for your own chosen cause
- Or, just come along and play, no fundraising required
Practicalities: When, Where and What to expect
Saturday, 22nd November, 2025
Sherwood Phoenix Pianos
Rosemary Street
Mansfield
NG18 1QX
The event will last from 10.00am to 11.30am. Doors open at 9.30am.
We will have a team of stewards on hand to greet you and help you find your piano.
There are limits on the space we have available, so entry will be restricted to participants and staff.
Toilets are available.
We will have a team of chaperones available to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. They have been DBS-checked and have received safeguarding training.
Access
There are 21 steps to climb to reach the room of 101 pianos. However, if this is not possible for you, you can still take part! We have some pianos on the ground floor which can be accessed without steps and will make sure you can see, hear and take part in the whole ensemble. Please contact us for further details or to arrange a site visit prior to the event, so that we can help you take part.
Video, Photography and Audio Recording
This event will be video recorded and photographed. Please do not expect to take your own recordings and photographs. When you book, you will be asked to consent to the taking of film footage, sound recordings and images on the day. You will also be asked to consent to the sharing of these images on websites and social media, including, but not limited to, those managed by Alive with Music (Newark and Sherwood District Council), St Mary Magdalene, Newark, and Sherwood Phoenix Pianos. No person will be named on this footage or in images without further consent being obtained. If you wish to take part but not be filmed, please contact us in advance.
Music
Visit the “Download Music” page to view all the parts available. You can choose from a variety of different levels of difficulty, each aimed at players of certain “Grades”. If you don’t know what that means, don’t worry – simply pick the part most suitable for you to be able to play fluently and without stress. If you prefer to read chord sheets instead of music, you can find these there, too.
Social Media
We want as many people as possible to know about 101 Dalmations Pianos! So follow and share our facebook page for top tips on how to prepare and to encourage people to take part and donate. You can post your own practise videos there, too!