Organist seeks to make London happy with music

|PIC1|Members of the public are being asked to fill the plinth, normally reserved for statues, for one hour in a way that represents something of themselves and the whole of humanity.

The living monument, the brainchild of sculptor Antony Gormley, will see 2,400 people appear on the fourth plinth between 6 July and 14 October.

Peter Harding, from Solihull, has been the organist and choirmaster for Acocks Green Methodist Church in Birmingham for 25 years. He takes to the plinth on Sunday at 6pm and plans to play the accordion to tourists and other visitors to London’s landmark square.

His playlist is varied, featuring folk music, Handel, ragtime and hymns. The hour will be rounded off with the theme of Radio 4 programme The Archers.

“Busking seems to suit me, as it is what I do every Sunday morning at the organ console, and I hope that I'll also be able to persuade those standing by to do a little barn dancing in the square.

“I plan to play the accordion for an hour to make London happy, although they may be happier when I stop. I'm a self-taught accordion player, and maybe skipped a few too many classes!”

Those who cannot make it to Trafalgar Square personally can dance along virtually via the website www.oneandother.co.uk, where the plinth is being broadcast live.