On Air Now

Durham After Dark

11:00pm - 4:00am

Help break a world record with 3 friends and a piano!

There's a super rare chance to become a Guinness World Record-breaker, and all you need is a little musical flair! Sunderland Music City is looking for almost 200 pianists to help them smash a world record! They want to get the most people to play the same piano in a relay and beat the current record of 169 set in Hong Kong earlier this year.

They're calling this massive, 12-hour piano marathon 'Keys of the City'.

Michelle Daurat, the charity's CEO, admits organizing a gig with this many musicians is "quite complicated," but she's urging everyone to get involved—schools, businesses, friends, and families!

"You don't have to be a concert pianist, you could be a beginner, but as long as you can bang out a tune for three to five minutes then we want you to come and take part in this amazing record," she said.

You need to sign up in teams of four. Each team gets a 15-minute slot to show off their skills.

Since Guinness World Records officials will be watching the video footage, there are a few strict rules. The main one? A performer's hands must be on the keys at all times—even when your team members are switching places!

But don't worry, while you're "tickling the ivories," you can play whatever you like!

"We will provide the piano, we provide the venue, the warmth and the atmosphere and we are just asking people to come along," Ms. Daurat mentioned.

 

The big record attempt kicks off at The Fire Station in Sunderland at 8:00 AM GMT on December 7th.

If you want in on the action, you need to register online by November 26th!

The event is free, but participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship for the Music Against Child Poverty Campaign. Last year, the campaign did amazing work, raising almost £52,000 for Love, Amelia, a charity supporting families in poverty.

As Ms. Daurat summed it up: "Sunderland is a proud Music City and this event is about using music to unite our city, to show the power of creativity, and to help children who most need our support."

Click here to enter! 

More from From Durham OnAir

Listen on the Go

Listen on the go or at home with our free smart phone app for iOS and Android devices!

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play
  • Just ask Amazon Alexa

OnAir Today

  • Durham After Dark

    11:00pm - 4:00am

    Another chance to hear Pure Americana from the weekend.

  • Wake Up Durham

    4:00am - 7:00am

    Music and news for early risers! Start the day with Just Great Music from the past 6 decades!

  • Durham Breakfast - With Sam

    7:00am - 10:00am

    Just Great Music, Only Connect, The 90's at 9, great guests all the latest from across County Durham and the North East!

  • Joe Purcell

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Joe Purcel plays Just Great Music and brings you weird and wonderful stories.