Make It Yourself Festival

Workshops, live music, drop in activities, community cafe

Open 10am-6pm daily - 14-18 October 2026 - drop in or book ahead (tickets below)

Make It Yourself is Pianodrome's brand new festival — a five day celebration of DIY culture, creativity and local community, running during October half term from 14th–18th October 2026 at Pianodrome Bruntsfield Community Hub.

Supported by the Edinburgh Council Local Events Fund, this hyper-local festival brings together makers, musicians, artists and community organisations for five days of workshops, live music, art exhibitions and open mic performances, all rooted in our core ethos of upcycling, innovation and working together.

Whether you want to make something, hear something, show something or simply come and see what's happening, Make It Yourself is for you. Exhibition spaces and open mic slots are available for local artists and performers. Get in touch at makeityourself@pianodrome.org to find out more.

Artist in Residence - Melissa May Speake

Melissa May Speake is a maker whose philosophy is simple: we don't need to bring new materials into the world to create objects of beauty and significance. Working almost entirely with reclaimed materials, Mel creates pieces that challenge the culture of disposability, proving that when traditional craftsmanship meets sustainable practice, the results can be extraordinary.

Mel was drawn to Pianodrome because of its shared values. Like Pianodrome, she believes that beautiful, meaningful work can emerge from materials that others have discarded. The residency gives her the opportunity to explore the creative possibilities of reclaimed piano parts while working to the highest standard of heritage craftsmanship.

The Project

For her Make It Yourself residency Mel is creating an Orkney Chair, a traditional form historically crafted from driftwood gathered on the Shetland Islands, making use of whatever materials arrived by chance. In many ways, she says, the unplayable pianos that find their way to Pianodrome feel like a metropolitan, modern-day driftwood, objects that have reached the end of one life, carrying the marks and stories of those who have loved them.

Fairisle strawback chair making is a critically endangered traditional craft, sitting on the red list of heritage crafts. Mel will recreate the form as faithfully as possible, while allowing carefully considered details to reveal its piano origins. The woven back will be formed from piano strings. The characteristic drawer beneath the seat will feature an original brass piano handle. The timber will be stripped back and finished as one cohesive piece, showcasing what reclaimed materials can become when treated with the same standard of finish as a high quality piece of furniture.

It is about connecting two craft traditions born from resourcefulness, Fairisle strawback chair making and Pianodrome making. And in the spirit of heritage, Mel will use her grandfather's tools to make it wherever possible, weaving together the story of pianos passed through generations and tools passed through generations.

Come and watch Mel work throughout Make It Yourself, 14th - 18th October at Pianodrome Bruntsfield Community Hub.

Like your local book library - but with tools instead of books. Edinburgh Tool Library is a community-powered movement making DIY accessible to everyone, bringing members together to build, learn and share skills. We are delighted to welcome them to Make It Yourself.

What's in your cargo?

BANZAI Edinburgh are bringing their community e-cargo bike to Make It Yourself and we are here for it. Find out what you can transport, build your own miniature dream cargo bike and discover how accessible, sustainable travel can work for you and your community.

Something for all ages — drop in and say hello.

More info coming soon.

Workshops

Announcement coming (very) soon.

Join Remode Collective for a fun textile activity - make your own upcycled tartan key holder using reclaimed textiles. No experience needed, just drop in and have a go! Remode is a social enterprise working to reduce textile waste while making sewing, repair and upcycling skills accessible to all.

SHRUB will be on hand to help you learn how to repair your clothes and try your hand at some basic sewing techniques. Drop in and make your own upcycled decorative gift tag from waste fabrics — a simple, satisfying and practical introduction to the world of textile repair and sustainable making.

No experience needed, just curiosity.