Town Carnival returns with first-ever Pianothon

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A ‘Pianothon’ will be held in the inner street of Market Square this month, to celebrate the island’s local music talent and launch this year’s Town Carnival.

Beginning at 9.20am on Saturday 19 July, the island’s piano community is invited to take on a 20-minute slot, with or without sheet music, on a public grand piano and raise a minimum of £20 sponsorship for their efforts. The proceeds of the event will be used by Town Centre Partnership to fund another upcoming piano event.

The Town Carnival itself will continue until 26 July and feature its annual medley of performances from local and visiting entertainers throughout St Peter Port.

The street entertainment will commence with the traditional parade, comprising the Guernsey Scout Band, the Guernsey Majorettes, Les Danseurs De L'Assembliaise De Guernesiaise and Samba Burros. Starting at the top of Smith Street, the parade will make its way through town via Le Truchot, Le Pollet and the High Street, finishing in Church Square.

At 11.30am, the majorettes will showcase their skills outside Boots while the dancers perform in Market Square. The Jitterbugz will perform in Market Square at 12.15pm, followed by Guernsey Concert Brass at 1.30pm.

Other entertainment will be on show from a number of local and UK acts at nine venues throughout St Peter Port every day from the 21-26 July. Returning artists include: ImaginJack, Sonny and Rainbow, the Puppetree company, Fidgetyfeet, Tropikal Visions, ClassyCool, Streetjazz and Vitae Brass from the University of Chichester.

Jack Honeybill, executive officer of the Town Centre Partnership, said:

“The carnival offers an opportunity for us to showcase the fantastic talent that we have on the island, while welcoming both mainstay and new visiting artists. This is our flagship event in our quest to liven up the streets of St Peter Port and we’re hoping the atmosphere will be further enhanced with great weather. The full programme of events will be released shortly”

Sonny and Rainbow will also be providing circus workshops for groups of up to 20 children (aged 5-10) per day from Tuesday to Friday in the Inner Street.. Anyone wishing to enrol their child can reserve a place by contacting Jack Honeybill on jackhoneybill@hotmail.com.

The full schedule of performers and their sponsors can be found on www.towncentrepartnership.com.