A factor in the redesign is that the team that built and maintained the figures that were on the ceiling were laid off entirely in 2017. Since then everything has been 3D printed and maintained by third parties when necessary. It is still shocking to me that the figures outside are still there.
There is a bit of a precedent for adjusting street performers - years ago when the Share A Dream Come True Parade was changed for the "Celebrate You" promotion they replaced most of the walking character cast with dancers. About five months in, a bunch of characters were added to the street -...
The piano is a keyboard (and a pretty cheap one too!) and always has been. As far as the theming, point well made - but it's been a sing-along catch-all for some years now, not just British songs! Sweet Caroline has been in the mix many a time