Eight Hands Extravaganza!

The famous Eight Hands Extravaganza Returns for a third time with fantastic rarely played repertoire for 4, 6 and 8 hands!

Join us for an electrifying evening of ensemble piano music, celebrating the sheer joy, power and colour of playing together. This special concert features rarely heard repertoire for two pianos, duos and eight hands, bringing multiple pianists together on stage in music that is bold, playful and richly textured.

The programme spans impressionistic shimmer, rhythmic drive and symphonic sweep, including La Valse by Maurice Ravel, the infectious energy of Cuban Overture by George Gershwin, and Hill, Gully and Ride by Eleanor Alberga, full of character and rhythmic vitality. French colour returns in Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune by Claude Debussy, reimagined for two pianos, alongside the sharp wit and brilliance of Concertino for Two Pianos by Dmitri Shostakovich.

Performers are Annie Ball, Venera Bojkova, Alison Gill and Yoshie Kawamura, whose collaborative chemistry brings this exuberant programme to life. Expect music that sparkles, surges and surprises, all within the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the Newcastle Piano Festival.

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 March Festival 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 Sunday will start at 16.30 - you're warmly invited to come along early to enjoy additional music before the concert.

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.

Stay Connected

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