We are proud to know that Maureen Lockwood, our wonderful accompanist, travelled from Newark to join in a record-breaking piano plying fund raiser. BBC East Midlands and Nottingham were there to record and broadcast the event. Here is their report.
Jude Winter, East Midlands and Emily McGuirk, Nottingham. Published 23rd November 2025.
A group of 136 musicians played in unison at Sherwood Phoenix piano shop in Mansfield on Saturday. Organisers believe the performance surpassed a previous UK record for the most pianos played at once but said there was no ‘official’ attempt made to verify their musical effort.
One of the organisers, Helen Martyniuk, said the showcase raised £2,252 to buy a grand piano for St. Mary Magdalene Church, in Newark on Trent, which is being refurbished. Mrs. Martyniuk, originally from Ukraine but now lives in Nottinghamshire, said it took days to prepare the pianos and match the pitch across all 111 instruments. “We rehearsed for about half an hour, took a break and then played again” said Mrs. Martyniuk. She said they planned for 101 pianos to be played simultaneously but increased the number to 111 due to demand.
“We made arrangements for all possible levels, for beginners, Grade 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 chord progressions, so literally everyone can take part,” she added. Mrs. Martyniuk said the pianists played the songs Prelude in C Major by J.S. Bach and In the Hall of the Mountain King by E. Grieg. Each song lasted about 90 to 95 sseconds, said Mrs Martyniuk. “We had chip shop owners, MP James Naish (Rushcliffe , Labour) heavy lifters, engineers, doctors, organists, piano tuners playing” she said. “There were four generations of one family, teachers with their students and many more people from a local community that have this mutual connection-piano. It was mega successful.
Director of Music at St Mary Magdalene Church, Stephen Bullamore said lots of people wanted to take part. Rowan Cozens, deputy leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said hearing all the pianos play at once was “incredibly emotional”. “We’ve been talking for a long time to get a beautiful piano in Newark and we found one whilst work to refurbish St. Mary’s church was ongoing.”
“We saw the mount of pianos inside Phoenix piano shop and came up with the idea to try and break the UK record. It was incredibly emotional; they played the most beautiful tunes.”. Stephen Bullamore said the show had been “epic”. “When we opened up bookings, we thought we would struggle to get 101 pianists. It got so popular we had to close bookings” said Mr. Bullamore. “This was never and ‘official@ record attempt. We believe it is the largest collection of pianos ever played together in the UK. Perhaps we will aim for an officially verifies record in the future.”
Whats App messages
- I am at Sherwood Phoenix Pianos today taking part in the ‘101 piano challenge’. It turns out there are 150 pianos😳 – we are rehearsing 2 pieces which will then be recorded. Think it will be a great experience. There are reporters here so look out for it on the local news. Maureen Lockwood.
- Good luck Maureen. Al Roberts.
- That’s really good Maureen. I hope you have a wonderful experience. Geoff Mansfield.
- Good luck Maureen, what a lot of pianos together, will look out for local news. John Scanlon.
- Excellent, enjoy the event. Ian Grice.
- Well done Maureen record breaker. Terry Ashmore.
- That ‘sounds’ or will sound amazing. Exciting to meet other pianists, I see there are younger players at the event, a great opportunity to build confidence. Will be listening to Mansfield 103.2. Mario Curtis
- Great experience Maureen. Good luck. Lynden Lowe.
- Good luck Maureen. You know how to relax on your day off. Geoff Hursthouse.
- Best wishes – and there’s nothing wrong with number 13. Steve Cree.
- Hope all goes well Maureen. What an experience. Eric Bexon.
- Well done Maureen, what an experience. John Wakeland.
- Emoji thumbs up etc. from Tony O’Connor, Anthony Bramley, David Marriott, Adele Stenton.
- It’s the taking part. Maureen Lockwood.
Glad it went well, record breaking and for charity well done Maureen.
Well done, Maureen, it seems that playing the piano is in your blood. Great stuff.