Sunday May 6th is World Accordion Day, celebrating the anniversary of May 6th 1829 when the accordion was patented in Vienna, Austria, by Cyrllius Demien (often anglicised as Cyril Damien).

Although it is known that before 1829 many in Europe were experimenting with reeds to produce designs of accordions, harmonicas and other early free reed instruments, Cyrllius Demien was the first to actually patent an accordion.

Thus it is that May 6th 1829 has been widely acknowledged as the accordion’s ‘official birthday’.

The accordion has come a long way since the early 19th Century, and has adapted perfectly to many musical styles and genres worldwide.

There are many events around the world on and near May 6th to celebrate World Accordion Day, some of which are announced on Accordions Worldwide. I will be playing at social events in Stockport, Cheshire, UK, on May 6th and 7th and honouring our favourite instrument in the process. A happy World Accordion Day to you all!