Plymouth People’s Piano takes pride of place at Plymouth Station

Plymouth Youth Music Service (PYMS), the hub lead organisation for Plymouth Music Education Hub, successfully applied for a grant from the train operator’s Community Fund, which was launched in May to support local communities and address areas of social need.

As part of GWR’s National Rail Contract with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, councils, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.

Head of PYMS, Fiona Pendreigh, said:

“We’re extremely grateful for this funding from Great Western Railway, which has helped us to source and place the Plymouth People’s Piano at Plymouth Station.

“We appreciate that ‘spontaneous’ playing often requires a bit of a nudge. This funding also covers us promoting the opportunity to all partners in the music hub; by default, all schools and settings, the colleges and universities, theatres and other organisations within Plymouth are partners in the hub, so are welcome to come to the station and play.

“We hope that students and young people across the city drop in and play for the public. We would love some local primary school choirs within walking distance to arrange to sing round the piano. For the sanity of station staff, we ask that any group of more than six will check ahead of time with the station manager.” 

Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard, who attended a performance by the service's Legacy Choir at the station on Friday, said:

“I’m so pleased that Plymouth Youth Music Service has secured the funding for this piano. 

“Pianos in train stations help to spread little moments of joy for travellers, and I’m really pleased to have supported this campaign by making the introduction between PYMS and GWR. 

“I take the train to and from Westminster each week and I’m looking forward to my commute being brightened up with some tunes.”

GWR Business Development Director Tom Pierpoint said:

“The Community Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in our communities in projects that really make a difference at a local level.

“We all know about the power of music in helping to boost people’s mental health and wellbeing, and we think this piano will be a fantastic addition to Plymouth Station. We can’t wait to hear customers and other visitors to the station tinkling the ivories.”