Visitors Unleash Their Inner Musician at Maidenhead Festival’s SoundLab

More than 145 people – from a 10-month-old baby to a 93-year-old war evacuee – discovered the joy of music this week as Maidenhead Festival launched our brand-new SoundLab event in the Nicholsons Shopping Centre.

Running across three fun-filled days from Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th May, SoundLab was a free, hands-on musical experience designed to unite the community through creativity, learning, and play.

Marking the start of our exciting new format — moving away from the traditional two-day summer park event to more regular, community-led experiences — SoundLab set the tone for a season of inclusive and vibrant cultural activities across the town.

In partnership with Dawkes Music, Pianoz, Berkshire Music Trust, The Power of Uke and Monkey Music, the event gave budding musicians of all ages the opportunity to try instruments, perform, and connect with local music educators.

From trumpets and saxophones to pianos and ukuleles, participants immersed themselves in the world of sound. Tuesday’s sessions led by Dawkes Music drew brass and woodwind fans, while Wednesday welcomed a musical moment inspired by Channel 4’s hit show The Piano. Shoppers stopped in their tracks as pianists — aged from just 8 to an incredible 93 — showcased their skills, including local talent like Emily Martin (8), Theo Peretz (11), Esther Fernando (13), and Alfie O’Callaghan (10).

One particularly moving moment came when a 14-year-old Iranian refugee, who has been teaching himself piano by practicing on his phone, sat down at the Steinway Baby Grand piano (kindly donated by Pianoz). He wowed everyone with his talent and musicality, drawing emotional applause from passersby. His performance was so powerful that the Maidenhead Festival team are now looking into ways to support him in pursuing his passion and talent. Watch this space for more news!

Festival Chairman Lisa Hunter reflected: “It’s been phenomenal – the performances, the participation, the atmosphere. One highlight was 93-year-old Henry Harris, who shared how he learned to play piano after being evacuated in WWII. That’s the power of music – it stays with you for life.”

Young children also got in on the fun, with Monkey Music offering interactive sessions for the under-5s, and Power of Uke’s Tabitha Beavan delivering two energetic ukulele workshops that had families strumming and singing along together.

Berkshire Music Trust rounded off the week on Thursday, bringing not only traditional instruments but also the Cosmo Switch — a light-up accessible music controller designed to make musical play more inclusive for children and adults with additional needs.

Lisa added: “It really is ticking every box – hands-on music for everyone, of every age and ability. It’s just a lovely way to launch the new Maidenhead Festival season and we can’t wait for what’s next.”

Find out more about upcoming events and join us as Maidenhead Festival 2025 brings music, joy, and connection to every corner of our town.

---