A blue plaque has been unveiled at Liverpool ONE to mark the exact spot where Bootle-born pianist Brad Kella first performed as a busker more than ten years ago. The self-taught musician, who won national acclaim as the winner of Channel 4's The Piano in 2024, returned to the city centre shopping destination on Wednesday, July 15, to personally unveil the commemorative plaque.
From busker to chart-topping artist
Brad Kella, a pianist from Bootle, rose to prominence after winning The Piano in 2024. His debut album, Phoebe's Melody, named after his daughters, reached Number 1 in the Classical charts in 2025. The blue plaque was created to honour the significance of his first public performance at Liverpool ONE and to celebrate his subsequent musical journey.
Speaking at the unveiling, Kella said: "It's always a joy to perform at Liverpool ONE – I still get the same buzz from it now as I did all those years ago. There's something special about the crowds and the atmosphere that's a winning combination." He added: "I'm so proud to be from Liverpool and the city's support means the world to me. Whether I'm busking or performing to a sold-out crowd at the Philharmonic Hall, it's amazing to see people's reactions and be able to make people happy through my music, especially in my hometown. There's no other city that backs their own like Liverpool and I'm so grateful for this honour and the support the city continues to show me."
Tickle the Ivories returns for 2026
The plaque unveiling coincides with the launch of Liverpool ONE's annual piano festival, Tickle the Ivories, which has been running since 2011. The event brings live piano performances into the heart of the city, with pianos installed at various locations across the centre for the public to enjoy and play free of charge. This year's festival runs for nine weeks from July 10 to September 11.
Brendan Hattam, centre director at Liverpool ONE, said: "We're so proud to mark the special spot where Brad first performed here – it's been a remarkable journey and we're honoured to have played a small part in it. Brad's story is truly inspiring and shows the power in providing a platform for local artists and emerging talent. We're keen to continue to offer these opportunities and that's what Tickle the Ivories is all about – whether you're popping in with your kids so they can play a piano for the first time, are an established musician wanting to entertain the crowds, or just want to enjoy the performances, everyone's welcome."
Piano locations across Liverpool ONE
Pianos are located at the following spots: Custom House Place under the John Lewis Canopy facing the Green Steps; South John Street under the bridge by Office Shoes; College Lane opposite Waterstones; Peter's Square near Kiehl's and Ted Baker; and The Galleria outside the entrance of ODEON IMAX.
