CITY OF LONDON FESTIVAL 2011 June - August 2011 photo credit: Robert Piwko / robertpiwko.com

Londoners could come across a surprising musical sight on their travels as 50 golden street pianos are set up across the Square Mile and beyond as part of the City of London Festival’s 50th anniversary.

CITY OF LONDON FESTIVAL 2011 June - August 2011 photo credit: Robert Piwko / robertpiwko.com

They will be touring major commuter hotspots from June 18 to 23 ahead of the festival and members of the public will have the chance to receive one of 300 free piano lessons by students from London’s leading music conservatories.

On June 24 the festival will be launched with Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley performing hits including Gold accompanied by National Youth Jazz Orchestra at a piano installed on the north side of Millennium Bridge.

The festival takes place between June 24 and July 27, and the pianos will form the focal point of two performance programmes.

The Golden Keys to the City will see four local schools explore folk, gospel and popular songs from around the world on one of the golden pianos.

The Sydney Dance Company will present pop-up performances of a dance duet created especially for the festival’s street pianos.

The golden street pianos, which will have unique designs by five London street artists. will remain in place until July 13 for members of the public to enjoy.

Play Me, I’m Yours is devised by artist Luke Jerram.

The Golden Street Pianos are just one part of a programme of more than 150 performances, recitals and world premières taking place in 55 locations during the festival.

To see a map of the piano locations or to organise your own events involving the pianos go to www.streetpianos.co.uk.

Full public listings for the City of London Festival programme can be found at www.colf.org.