Take it away

01/06/2026

🎻 Ever wondered what goes into crafting and caring for beautiful string instruments? Meet Parmakis Instruments, a Sheffield-based workshop where expert craftsmanship, restoration, and a passion for music come together.

Read our latest Meet the Music Shop feature and discover the story behind this fantastic Take it away member retailer 🔗 ⬇️

Since graduating from violin-making school in 2020, instrument maker and repairer Theo Parmakis has built a reputation as one of Sheffield’s go-to specialists for stringed instrument repairs and set-ups. Based in Nether Edge, Parmakis Instruments began with a focus on handcrafted violins, violas a...

27/05/2026

Join our team! 🎼

Creative United, the organisation behind Take it away, is hiring a Communications Officer!

This role combines relationship management with key stakeholders and partner organisations alongside event coordination and communications, making it ideal for someone who enjoys bringing artists, musicians, organisations, and audiences together. 🙌

Follow the link below if you’re passionate about connecting people through the arts and building meaningful creative partnerships:
https://www.creativeunited.org.uk/job-vacancies/

21/05/2026

We believe everyone deserves the chance to own the instrument they’ve been dreaming of. With the Take it away interest-free finance scheme, bringing it home could be easier than you think. Explore your options at takeitaway.org.uk 🎶

19/05/2026

😍 Explore All Flutes Plus in person or online! https://takeitaway.org.uk/retailer/all-flutes-plus-n1-2hy/ 🎶

Different metals, different cuts, different embouchure designs, but each one with its own colour, resistance, depth, and character. Some feel bright and effortless, others warm and complex, and sometimes the right one changes everything from the very first sound.

Lined up together like this, they feel like possibilities waiting to be discovered. Are you ready to explore? 🙌🏻

05/05/2026

Ever wanted a new instrument but put it off because of the upfront cost? 🎶

Take it away offers interest-free loans for musical instruments, equipment, and software.

Find out how it works: https://takeitaway.org.uk/how-it-works/

24/04/2026

Turn up the volume, turn down the stress 🎶

Take it away is available from a network of music shops across England and Northern Ireland, online and in-store. Spread the cost of your dream instrument and start playing sooner. Head to takeaway.org.uk or drop us a DM to find out more 👋

24/04/2026

This year marks 60 years of Dawkes Music serving the music community in Maidenhead and beyond. 🎶 Find out more about their story and upcoming events: https://takeitaway.org.uk/meet-the-music-shop-dawkes/

13/04/2026

Step inside one of the UK’s most iconic music shops 🎺

Dawkes Music has been inspiring players for 60 years. As a Take it away member retailer, they’re helping make music more accessible to everyone. 🎶 👉 Read the full story:

For 60 years, Dawkes Music has played a central role in the UK’s wind and brass community, supporting musicians at every stage - from beginners picking up their first instrument to experienced professionals. Team member Sam Gregory reflects on how the company grew from a modest repair workshop int...

24/03/2026

Maybe you played when you were younger. Maybe you’re starting lessons for the first time. Maybe you’re helping your child begin their musical journey. 🎶 ⁠
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Take it away offers interest-free finance to help make music more accessible.⁠
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Head to takeaway.org.uk or drop us a DM to find out more 💌⁠
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24/03/2026

Your dream string instrument could be closer than you think with a Take it away retailer. These specialists are dedicated to making music more accessible, whatever your background or level of experience. Their experts are ready to answer your questions and help match you with the perfect instrument to start your musical journey. 🎻

📍 Take it away retailers offering string instruments:
Caswells Strings - Banbury
Stamford Strings - Stamford
Symphony Music - Wigan
Forsyth Music Shop - Manchester
Parmakis Instruments - Sheffield
Thwaites Fine Stringed Instruments - Watford

(And many more – browse our network of over 100 music retailers across England and Northern Ireland at takeitaway.org.uk)

Take it away is delivered by Creative United and supported by funding from Arts Council England and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.