13 Sep 2025 - 10:30am
Hear and Play the famous 'Father' Willis Organ
10.30am – 4.30pm
FREE
Reading Town Hall’s Father Willis Heritage Open Day event this year is bigger and better to celebrate the Royal College of Organists’ ‘Play the Organ Year 2025’.
Spend the whole day with us, or drop in at any time, and enjoy a variety of Organ events. From an illustrated introductory talk, a lunchtime recital, the chance for non-players to ‘have-a-go’ and a masterclass with organist, Tom Bell, to more ‘specialist’ talks from organ builder, Bruce Buchanan, organ consultant, Nicholas Thistlethwaite and Managing Director of Harrison & Harrison, Andrew Scott - there is plenty for everyone.
Whether you are already an organist, or are simply curious, come along and spend the day with our majestic Father Willis Organ.
Morning - In The Concert Hall
10.30am - Welcome
11am - How was it built? How does it work? How is it used?
An introduction to the famous ‘Father’ Willis Town Hall organ, with William McVicker Organ Curator, Andrew Scott MD of Harrison & Harrison Ltd, and Tom Bell Concert organist
12.30pm - Lunch break
Refreshments are available to purchase from The Pantry Cafe, on site
1pm-1.45pm - Recital given by Tom Bell Concert organist
Afternoon - Music in The Concert Hall
2pm - Come and play the organ
An opportunity for newcomers to play the organ.
3pm - Break
Refreshments are available to purchase from The Pantry Cafe, on site
3.15pm - Masterclass with Tom Bell
Young players will perform for an expert teacher.
4.30pm - Ends
Afternoon - Talks in The Victoria Hall
2pm - Bruce Buchanan explores the Willis family organ-building enterprise
3pm - Break
Refreshments are available to purchase from The Pantry Cafe, on site
3.15pm - 'Why the history of the organ matters'
Nicholas Thistlethwaite, project monitor to the Heritage Lottery Foundation for the 1999 restoration of our Father Willis Organ
4pm - Organ Restoration: the nuts and bolts
Andrew Scott, Managing Director of Harrison & Harrison Ltd
4.30pm - Ends